The Illinois Department of Agriculture says its two 2026 international grain tours produced combined projected sales of more than $205 million, as overseas buyers toured farms, agribusinesses and transportation hubs across the state.
For the second straight year, the department hosted two separate tours. Buyers from Middle Eastern and Asian countries visited in September, and buyers from Latin American countries came in October. Each tour ran four days and highlighted Illinois' transportation logistics, crop quality through on-farm visits, and tours of agribusinesses, according to the department.
The Middle Eastern and Asian tour had projected sales of $120 million, while the Latin American tour had projected sales of $85.2 million and established 148 new contacts, the department said. It noted that final sales figures will not be available for some time.
By comparison, the 2025 grain tours generated an estimated $236 million in projected sales, which the department said exceeded 2024 projected sales by nearly $77 million.
"Illinois is a global leader in agriculture, and our long-term success depends on building strong international partnerships and creating new opportunities for our farmers," Governor JB Pritzker said in the release. "Even as the federal government closes its doors, Illinois is committed to growing our agricultural economy, expanding in emerging markets, and ensuring farmers and rural communities can thrive for generations to come."
IDOA Director Jerry Costello II said Illinois exports nearly half of its grain, and that "the political turbulence of the past two years has damaged trade relations." He said the tours help build trust when buyers see the crops and supply chain firsthand.
Matt Raben, chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and a farmer from Ridgway, said corn farmers "need as many markets as possible available to them, especially in this low-price, high-cost environment."
Bryan Severs, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association and an Illinois farmer, said that because most Illinois soybeans are exported, building relationships with international buyers is "crucial to growing global markets."
Tour stops
The groups toured the following locations across Illinois:
- Melvin Price Locks & Dam
- Gray Family Farm
- Grain & Protein Technologies
- Perten Instruments
- Clarkson Grain
- Illinois Soybean Association
- Marquis Energy
- Seedburo Equipment Co.
- Delong Co.
- Chicago Board of Trade/MANNS Traders Group
The grain tours date back to 1996, including a virtual tour during COVID. The department said the groups were split into two tours for the first time in 2025 because of the program's success and the number of people interested in participating. All participants are required to pay their own airfare and a participation fee before joining the tour.
Source: the original release