U.S. Barley Growers Join USGBC Goodwill Mission to Mexico

Farmers from Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota connect with major Mexican brewers to strengthen supply chains.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Last week, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) organized a goodwill mission to Mexico, connecting U.S. barley growers from Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota with two major Mexican brewing companies. The goal was to build business relationships, align supply chains, ensure quality control, and address concerns like soil presence in barley shipments.

Why it matters

This mission is critical for U.S. barley growers to foster trust and streamline logistics with Mexican brewers, enabling them to secure reliable, high-quality barley for their expanding brewery operations through direct contracts. It also helps promote U.S. barley as the preferred choice for Mexico's brewing industry.

The details

The USGBC delegation, including senior marketing manager Javier Chávez and manager of global strategies and trade Sadie Marks, met with farmers from the Idaho Barley Commission, North Dakota Barley Council, and Montana Grain Growers Association. They toured a major multinational brewer just across the Mexican border in San Antonio, and then flew to Monterrey to meet with U.S. Agricultural Trade Office representatives and tour a nearby brewery, discussing how U.S. growers can supply the Mexican brewing industry.

  • Last week, the USGBC organized the goodwill mission to Mexico.
  • The delegation toured a major multinational brewer in San Antonio on the first day.
  • The next day, the group flew to Monterrey to meet with U.S. Agricultural Trade Office representatives and tour a nearby brewery.

The players

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC)

An organization that promotes U.S. grains and bioproducts globally, including barley.

Javier Chávez

Senior marketing manager at the USGBC.

Sadie Marks

Manager of global strategies and trade at the USGBC.

Idaho Barley Commission

A state-level organization representing barley growers in Idaho.

North Dakota Barley Council

A state-level organization representing barley growers in North Dakota.

Montana Grain Growers Association

A state-level organization representing grain growers, including barley, in Montana.

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What they’re saying

“Building business relationships with Mexican brewers is critical to align supply chains, ensure quality control and address concerns like soil presence in barley shipments.”

— Javier Chávez, Senior Marketing Manager, USGBC (USGBC Global Update)

“These relationships foster trust and streamline logistics, enabling customers to secure reliable, high-quality barley for their expanding brewery operations via direct contracts.”

— Javier Chávez, Senior Marketing Manager, USGBC (USGBC Global Update)

“The Council has been actively promoting U.S. barley as the preferred choice for Mexico's brewing industry through targeted initiatives, strengthening ties by organizing educational programs, visits to malting facilities and direct farmer engagement.”

— Sadie Marks, Manager of Global Strategies and Trade, USGBC (USGBC Global Update)

“These efforts ensure Mexican brewers understand the quality, reliability and logistical advantages of U.S. barley and continue sustained demand for U.S. growers.”

— Sadie Marks, Manager of Global Strategies and Trade, USGBC (USGBC Global Update)

The takeaway

This goodwill mission demonstrates the USGBC's commitment to strengthening ties between U.S. barley growers and the Mexican brewing industry, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality barley and promoting the advantages of U.S. grown barley to Mexican brewers.