Creating and expanding trade relationships is still a top priority for U.S. Grains Council Chairman Jim Raben.

“Building relationships, building trade” is the theme Raben selected for his term as chairman. He says it has been challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s not what any of us expected this year- we thought we would be visiting countries where our buyers are and meeting them in person,” he says. “I’m a firm believer that you talk to a person eye-to-eye, build that relationship and the other will probably come.”

The southeastern Illinois farmer says he had to learn how to make those connections virtually.

…