Foreign Grain Buyers Touring Illinois Farms

Grain buyers from around the world are touring Illinois farms this week.

Buyers in the international delegation are from China, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. They are accompanied by members of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Department official Jim Mackey says the buyers are particularly concerned about drought damage.

Mackey tells The State Journal-Register in Springfield that the buyers could be wondering if that means prices are higher.

The University of Illinois released a report Monday that found export demand and pricing will depend on final yields from U.S. corn producers. Illinois agriculture officials say the drought forced the department to move up this year's trade delegation visit because the early start of harvest.