The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced that the 2026 International Grain Tours have generated over $200 million in sales. This marks the second straight year that international buyers from the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America have participated in the event, which included on-farm visits and tours of key agribusinesses.
Final sales figures are still pending, but projections indicate the Middle Eastern and Asian tour could reach $120 million, while the Latin American tour is expected to bring in $85.2 million. Gov. JB Pritzker highlighted the importance of these tours in strengthening international partnerships and expanding market opportunities for Illinois farmers.
Last year's grain tours generated about $236 million in projected sales, surpassing the 2024 projections by nearly $77 million. Matt Raben, chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, emphasized the critical role of exports for corn farmers, especially in the current challenging economic environment.
The tours featured visits to notable locations such as the Melvin Price Locks & Dam, Gray Family Farm, and the Chicago Board of Trade, among others.