"We are pleased that Dan, a former Council employee, has agreed to return to working for the Council in this key role," said Kenneth Hobbie, Council president and CEO. "His prior knowledge of the Council membership and operations, combined with his expertise in international marketing, makes him ideal for this position."

Dan Keefe will be an important liaison with Council members and overseas offices, sharing current industry developments and marketing information while implementing the member-supported efforts to grow the international market for US-produced DDGS.

American DDGS production reached 14.5 million metric tons in 2006. According to the USDA, exports reached 1.15 million tons between January and November 2006, an increase of approximately 22% compared to the same period in 2005.

DDGS production in the US has the potential to reach or surpass 40 million tons, making the development of export markets vital.

The US Grains Council overseas directors have identified 20 million tons of potential demand for DDGS. To help realize this demand, the Council is working around the world to promote its use - educating new customers, obtaining government registrations and approvals to facilitate imports and facilitating buyer-seller communications.