ABSTRACT
Grain distribution in the United States has evolved from a simple system, in which grain was produced and fed on the farm, into a complex marketing system. A large percentage of farm production is marketed off farms. Some of this grain is processed into food and feed for domestic uses, while other grain is exported as whole grain, primarily in overseas markets. Foreign demand for grain and oilseeds has grown tremendously since World War II. In 1950, US exports were less than 15 percent of production of wheat, soybeans, and corn. As world population, livestock, and poultry numbers increase worldwide and the supply for grain and oilseeds tightens, more importing countries can be expected to request bilateral agreements, becoming steady or preferred customers of exporting countries. Corn is used primarily for domestic purposes, including livestock and poultry feed, wet- and dry-processed products, alcoholic beverages, and seed.
