Nebraska Corn Leadership Take Part in Discussions During Commodity Classic
Nebraska farmers were well represented at Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas the week of Feb. 26. Corn farmers from across Nebraska served as delegates for the Corn Congress sessions during the event from both the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA). Nationwide there were 126 delegates representing the corn industry. Nebraska is also represented on the National Corn Board by two Nebraskans.
Commodity Classic and Corn Congress allows corn-producing states to meet to debate proposed resolutions that may then be accepted into the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Policy and Position Papers. During the two Corn Congress sessions, topics that passed included a proposal by Nebraska Corn regarding retail central bank digital currency, supported pathways that provide monetary value for growers supplying lower carbon feedstocks and opposed electric vehicle mandates.
In addition to Corn Congress sessions, Nebraska corn farmers interviewed with state and national media on topics including policy and planting predictions. Learning sessions were also available for attendees and Commodity Classic attendees heard from USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack, Under Secretary, Robert Bonnie and EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
“Commodity Classic is one time per year that farmers from across the nation are all together to meet to discuss potential resolution changes and important issues for the betterment of the industry, “said Jay Reiners, chairman of NCB. “This year, Brandon Hunnicutt, a farmer from Giltner and vice chair of NCB who served as the Commodity Classic co-chair, a position which has required years of hard work for a seamless event. We thank him for his passion and energy to make this event a success.”
The 2024 Commodity Classic was a record-breaking year with 11,537 attendees, 4,609 farmer attendees, 436 companies and 3,321 exhibitor booths.
“Nebraska Corn continues to be a leader in the industry, with the goal of ensuring the future has a reliable and distinct path for success,” said Chris Grams, NeCGA president. “This week, we connected with agribusinesses regarding some of the newest technology and innovation, held meetings with state and national partners on key issues and ensured farmer voices were heard federally on key issues that may arise in 2024.”
The 2025 Commodity Classic will be held in Denver, Colorado from Mar. 2 - 4, 2025.
Farmers Market Handbook available in English and Spanish
With spring comes thoughts of planting, followed by a summer of farmers markets.
In addition to selling fruits, vegetables, meat, and other farm products, farmers markets often include prepared food, arts and crafts, cut flowers, baked goods, and handcrafted items. They also provide a gathering place for the community.
For those looking to start a market or considering vending, a new resource is available: the Nebraska Rural Farmers Market Handbook in both English and Spanish.
“This handbook brings together ideas, inspiration, and insight from farmers markets across Nebraska,” said Deborah Solie, project associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “It is the culmination of research, hands-on experience, and interviews with market managers, vendors, and professionals.”
Included in the toolkit are resources such as market manager best practices, how to plan a farmers market, how to prepare for the market season, and improving and measuring market performance. Also of note are handouts for vendors on marketing, booth set-up, licensing, and more.
“Markets began as a way to do business, but have evolved into a way to connect people with their communities, food producers, and the land that surrounds them,” Solie said.
The toolkit can be found at cfra.org/ne-farmers-market-handbook.
Partners on this project include the Center for Rural Affairs, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Northeast Iowa RC&D.
Dr. Paul Sundberg Honored at National Pork Industry Forum
Dr. Paul Sundberg received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Pork Industry Forum in early March in Rosemont, Illinois, for his career-long dedication to bettering the pork industry.
Dr. Paul Sundberg’s 40+ year career illustrates his unwavering dedication to animal health and industry innovation. Most recently, Dr. Sundberg led the industry as the first executive director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) when it was developed with Pork Checkoff funds in 2015. Prior to that, he served America’s pig farmers working for national pork organizations, in addition to practicing veterinary medicine for 10 years.
“Iowa pig farmers congratulate Dr. Sundberg for receiving this award and appreciate his continued dedication to improving swine health,” said Pat McGonegle, CEO of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Paul has played an integral role in helping the U.S. pork industry take an active approach to dealing with emerging animal disease threats and helping producers be better prepared for a potential outbreak.”
The Distinguished Service Award, presented annually by the National Pork Board (NPB), is a fitting tribute to Dr. Sundberg's extensive career and contributions to the betterment of the U.S. pork industry. His forward-thinking initiatives, collaboration and leadership in challenging times have set new standards for excellence and integrity within the industry.
“Dr. Sundberg was one of the best bosses you could ever have. He lived by his motto, hire good people, and get out of their way,” says Dr. Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian for NPB. “As a boss and mentor, he was always present and supportive. Paul is a strategist, and he could always see the bigger picture and point his staff in the right direction to be the most productive and impactful to the industry in the work they accomplished.”
The support and involvement of Dr. Sundberg's wife, Deb, and their daughters, along with their deep-rooted connection to the community, highlight the personal dedication behind his professional achievements. This familial foundation underpins Dr. Sundberg's holistic approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award,” Sundberg reflected. “I’ve been blessed to have a career working with smart and dedicated Checkoff staff, pork producers, veterinarians, academics and many others.”
The pork industry congratulates Dr. Sundberg for his profound commitment to animal health and industry leadership.
Dr. Sundberg completed his veterinary medicine curriculum and master’s degree in clinical science/preventive medicine at Iowa State University. He also earned a doctorate degree in veterinary microbiology with a specialty in preventive medicine from Iowa State University. He is board certified in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and is a past president of the College.
Dr. Sundberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
Paul and his wife Debra live in Ames, Iowa.
IRFA Statement on South Dakota Passage of CO2 Pipeline Legislation
On Wednesday the South Dakota legislature passed a Landowner Bill of Rights that enhances landowner protections while providing regulatory certainty for CO2 pipeline projects. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
“Both sides came together in South Dakota to find an equitable path forward for carbon capture and sequestration projects. We applaud their efforts.
“It is our view that with a workable path forward in South Dakota and the regulatory process well on its way in Iowa and North Dakota, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) cuts Iowa ethanol’s carbon score by more than half. It singlehandedly opens up a massive new 35-billion-gallon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market for Iowa corn farmers.
“Creating new demand at a time when corn supplies have swelled over 2.2 billion bushels and corn prices have dropped over 2 bucks isn’t just important for the next two or three years. Opening up the SAF market can literally power Iowa’s rural economy for the next two to three decades.”
Japanese-American Fusion is Top Pork Dish for Student Chefs
The classic American meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) on Monday.
For the annual contest, culinary students were challenged to create their tastiest entrée utilizing boneless pork loin. Eight teams from four Iowa colleges and universities had two hours in the kitchen to prepare their recipes.
“Definitely the goal is to expose students to different types of pork cuts, maybe cuts they didn’t grow up eating, so that they hopefully keep it top of mind as they go into their future careers,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA’s marketing and programs director.
Teams consisted of two to four students, and their entrées were judged on taste, appearance, complementing side dishes, and design. The event took place at the Iowa Culinary Institute on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Ankeny.
The first-place team from Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames was Culinary “Cy”entist, a play on ISU’s Cy the Cardinal mascot. Members included senior Christabel Forney, Ames; senior Evelyn Greenbury, Arlington Heights, Ill.; junior Izabele Jaime, Mason City; and senior Julain Sinkler from Queens, a borough of the city of New York.
Slices of pork glazed with red wine and miso were served alongside shaved Brussels sprouts seasoned with togarashi (chili pepper), and potato mochi, a potato patty with a crispy shell, chewy center, and sweet and savory sauce.
“The pork was cooked excellent with slight pink presentation,” said judge Tanner Killinger, with Des Moines Embassy Club, referring to recommendations to cook whole-muscle pork cuts to 145 degrees for maximum flavor and juiciness. Killinger won second place, or Superior Chef, during the Taste event for professional chefs in Des Moines in January.
Other judges noted “pork tenderness is perfect,” and that the concept was “very creative and new.”
Each member of the winning team was awarded $100 from IPPA. In addition, ISU’s culinary food science program received $750 for scholarships or educational supplies.
Judges selected Spice Girls 2.0, from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, for second place. The team’s Mexican-themed carnitas torta featured citrus-marinated pork from Gettler Farms in Red Oak.
Thinly cut strips of pork were positioned on pan telera (Mexican bread), with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. Accompanying the sandwich were frijoles puercos, a mixture of pinto beans and chorizo; Spanish rice; and elote salad, also known as grilled Mexican street corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and Tahin chili powder.
Second-year students Alayna Chapman, Polo, Mo.; Evelyn Martinez, Council Bluffs; and Yazmyn Sánchez, Omaha, Neb.; along with first-year student Hailey Wright, Glenwood, each won $50 from IPPA. Their school received an additional $500.
Third place went to Hog Honchos, made up of Lee DeLoach Jr., Marion; Connor Echternacht, Tiffin; and Christian Snyder, Burlington. All are first-year students attending Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
The trio prepared pan-roasted Duroc pork loin over a pork consommé, a clear soup made with concentrated stock. The complete plate featured cilantro-peanut dumplings, sauteed bok choy, wakame (seaweed) salad, and sake-soy glaze. They received $25 each and $250 for Kirkwood.
“Pork has it all — whether you’re wanting something with rich, deep flavors, or a healthy, lean protein,” IPPA’s Sutter said. “Pork loin is very versatile and a cut that can take on any flavor profile, and that is on full display here when you look at all of the plates.”
Teams from DMACC also participated in this year’s student Taste, which is open to any Iowa college or university with a culinary arts program. IPPA provides each school with $500 for food and contest expenses, and reimburses them for mileage.
United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Down 2 Percent
All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 98.2 million head on January 1, 2024, down 2 percent from the 100 million head on January 1, 2023. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 42.0 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2024 totaled 87.2 million head, down 2 percent from the 88.8 million head on January 1, 2023. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 37.6 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in Canada as of January 1, 2024 totaled 11.1 million head, down 2 percent from the 11.3 million head on January 1, 2023. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 4.43 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago.
United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Down Slightly
United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for December 2023 was 88.7 million head. This was down slightly from December 2022 and down slightly from December 2021. The breeding inventory, at 7.22 million head, was down 3 percent from a year ago, and down 3 percent from 2021. Market hog inventory, at 81.5 million head, was up slightly from last year and up slightly from 2021. The semi-annual pig crop, at 84.1 million head, was up 1 percent from 2022 and up 1 percent from 2021. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.18 million head, down 3 percent from last year and down 3 percent from 2021.
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2023 was 75.0 million head. This was up slightly from December 1, 2022 but down slightly from September 1, 2023. The breeding inventory, at 6.00 million head, was down 3 percent from last year, and down 3 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 69.0 million head, was up slightly from last year, but down slightly from last quarter. The September to November 2023 pig crop, at 34.6 million head, was down slightly from 2022 but up 1 percent from 2021. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.97 million head, down 4 percent from 2022 and down 3 percent from 2021.
Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on January 1, 2024 was 13.8 million head. This was down 1 percent from January 1, 2023 and down 3 percent from January 1, 2022. The breeding inventory, at 1.22 million head, was down 2 percent from last year and down 3 percent from 2022. Market hog inventory, at 12.5 million head, was down 1 percent from last year and down 3 percent from 2022. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.9 million head, was up 2 percent from 2023 and up slightly from 2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.23 million head, down slightly from last year and down 2 percent from 2022.
United States and Canadian Sheep Inventory Down 2 Percent
All sheep and lambs in the United States and Canada combined totaled 5.86 million head on January 1, 2024, down 2 percent from the 5.98 million head on January 1, 2023. Breeding sheep inventory at 4.27 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.59 million head, down 2 percent from last year.
All sheep and lambs in the United States as of January 1, 2024 totaled 5.03 million head, 2 percent below the 5.13 million head on January 1, 2023. Breeding sheep inventory at 3.67 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.36 million head, down 2 percent from last year.
All sheep and lambs in Canada as of January 1, 2024 totaled 828,300 head, down 2 percent from last year's number of 846,800 head. Breeding sheep inventory at 599,300 head, down 2 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs totaled 229,000 head, down 2 percent from a year ago.
SEC removes Scope 3 requirement in climate reporting rules
The U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) voted Wednesday to finalize a new climate reporting rule without a previously proposed requirement for U.S.-listed companies to disclose Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) issued the following statement:
“Calculating Scope 3 emissions is widely recognized as being inherently much more difficult than determining direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) and calculating such emissions requires significant personnel, resources, expertise, and data management. NGFA thanks the SEC for recognizing that the proposed Scope 3 rule would have transferred the reporting burden and associated costs to participants in the agricultural value chain who in many cases do not have the resources or expertise to provide such information. The final rule avoids disproportionately affecting smaller value chain participants. Many NGFA member companies have led the industry in commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Association is committed to fostering an environment in which resources to achieve these market-driven goals can be shared among large, small- and mid-sized value chain participants.”
SEC announced in March 2022 a proposed rule requiring publicly traded companies to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports, including “emissions from upstream and downstream activities in the value chain,” referred to as “Scope 3” emissions. In comments submitted in June 2022 to the SEC, the NGFA, American Feed Industry Association, and North American Millers Association outlined several burdens the proposed requirements would have created in the agricultural value chain.
The final rule approved by the SEC limits the disclosure requirement to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, or those that a company directly produces, and those associated with its energy consumption.
Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding SEC Climate Disclosure Rule
“Following significant outcry from farmers and ranchers across Nebraska and across our nation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) did the right thing Wednesday in voting not to include Scope 3 or supply chain emissions in their final Climate Disclosure Rule. The original proposal, released two years ago, initially required publicly traded companies to report the greenhouse gas emissions of their supply chain which would likely have forced many farms and ranches into onerous data-gathering and reporting requirements.”
“The SEC made the correct decision, but we remain dedicated to ensuring Nebraska’s farm and ranch families aren’t hit with the regulatory burdens and legal liability for similar rules in the future. Nebraska farmers and ranchers know that ‘sustainability’ is more than just a trendy catchphrase, it is what they have been doing for decades in producing more food, fiber, and fuel for the world using less land, water, fertilizer, and other inputs.”
“Lastly, we want to thank each member of Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation for their efforts in pushing back on the original SEC rule. Their unwavering dedication to pushing back against federal regulatory overreach are always appreciated.”
Congressman Flood Slams New SEC Climate Rule as “Environmentalist Dream”
U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following the release of a final rule from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that would force private companies to comply with expansive new public disclosure regulations.
“President Biden’s SEC continues to weaponize federal rulemaking against private job creators,” said Congressman Flood. “This new regulation seeks to force job creators to disclose vast amounts of information long sought by activists. This isn’t about transparency – this is about an environmentalist dream to use the government to pressure companies to adopt anti-ag policies that will hurt consumers and middle America. This fight isn’t over. I will be supporting efforts to overturn the SEC’s draconian rule, so we can protect working Americans and our way of life.”
NCBA Hails Limited SEC Rule as Win for Cattle Producers
Following continuous advocacy by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a limited greenhouse gas disclosure rule that omits the requirement for large publicly traded companies to release greenhouse gas emissions data from private companies in their supply chain. This type of data, known as Scope 3 reporting, could have increased burdens on family farmers and ranchers whose beef is processed or sold by publicly traded companies.
“This limited SEC rule is a win for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher. “Since this proposal first arose in 2022, NCBA has worked to educate policymakers on the harmful unintended consequences caused by overreaching Scope 3 regulations. The final SEC rule that omits supply chain emissions reporting entirely is a testament to NCBA’s engagement with federal agencies and Congress to defend America’s cattle producers.”
In 2022, the SEC proposed a rule to require publicly traded companies to release data on their direct (Scope 1), energy and electricity (Scope 2), and supply chain (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions. The Scope 3 requirement was especially concerning to the cattle industry, because numerous farmers and ranchers have their beef processed by publicly traded companies or sold by publicly traded restaurants and retailers. These large companies have the resources to hire consultants and calculate emissions, but individual producers lack those same resources. NCBA has also raised privacy concerns, especially in light of court decisions that have solidified the right to producers’ data privacy.
“Cattle producers have a track record of sustainability and conservation, and EPA data confirms that beef cattle are responsible for just 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “With industry-wide emissions data already available from the EPA and the USDA Life Cycle Assessments, forcing individual farms and ranches to calculate and report emissions creates a costly and unnecessary burden."
In addition to submitting technical comments to the SEC, individual NCBA members also submitted 7,406 emails to the SEC Commissioners and members of Congress detailing their concerns with the rule. NCBA also backed legislation like the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, introduced by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), to exclude agriculture from the Scope 3 requirement.
“NCBA’s grassroots members made a huge difference in this fight and thanks to your engagement, the entire industry is protected from what could have been an incredibly burdensome regulation,” said Idaho rancher and NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “To the producers who spoke up and submitted the over 7,000 comments to the SEC, thank you. Today is the perfect example of why the whole cattle industry benefits from having NCBA working on our behalf in Washington.”
AFBF Applauds SEC for Sparing Farms from Wall Street Rules
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) responded to American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) concerns and affirmed that regulations intended for Wall Street should not extend to America’s family farms. The SEC voted today on its final climate disclosure rule and removed the Scope 3 reporting requirement, which would have required public companies to report the greenhouse gas emissions of their supply chain.
Since the rule was first proposed two years ago, AFBF led the charge for the removal of Scope 3. Farm Bureau members sent almost 20,000 messages to the SEC and Capitol Hill, sharing their perspectives of how Scope 3 reporting would affect their farms.
“AFBF thanks SEC Chair Gary Gensler and his staff for their diligence in researching the unintended consequences of an overreaching Scope 3 requirement,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers are committed to protecting the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with, and they continue to advance climate-smart agriculture, but they cannot afford to hire compliance officers just to handle SEC reporting requirements. This is especially true for small farms that would have likely been squeezed out of the supply chain.
“Over the past two years, our members have made their voices heard on this issue and several lawmakers and leaders really stepped up. We thank all those who stood with farmers, including Senators Jon Tester, Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema, as well as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, all of whom listened to the concerns of America’s farm families and recognized the impact Scope 3 would have had on rural America.”
Farm Bureau recognizes the value of data collection and has actively contributed to responsible approaches to such efforts, including as a founding member of the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium and a leader in Field to Market. Both organizations work to empower farmers when it comes to on-farm data collection. The proposed Scope 3 requirement, however, would have imposed additional burdens on farmers, who provide almost every raw product that goes into the food supply chain. The onerous reporting requirements could have disqualified small, family-owned farms from doing business with public companies, putting those farms at risk of going out of business.
Now that the SEC has thoughtfully evaluated the issue, AFBF urges California to follow the SEC’s lead by withdrawing its Scope 3 reporting requirement for any company doing business in the state. Farm Bureau, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others, recently challenged that state law and its national ramifications.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/1/2024
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 1, ethanol production eased 1.9% to a 4-week low of 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to 44.39 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 4.7% more than the same week last year and 5.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.6% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.48 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.1% to a 50-week high of 26.1 million barrels. Stocks were 2.9% more than the same week last year and 7.9% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions—including a 99-week high in the Midwest (PADD 2)—except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5).
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, strengthened 6.4% to a 10-week high of 9.01 million b/d (138.17 bg annualized). Demand was 5.3% more than a year ago and 0.5% above the five-year average.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol edged up 0.2% to a 10-week high of 874,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.40 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.5% more than a year ago but 1.2% below the five-year average.
Ethanol exports were estimated at 112,000 b/d (4.7 million gallons/day), or 45.5% above the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 24th consecutive week.
Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Slightly Higher for Fourth Week of February
Average retail prices for most fertilizers were higher than last month during the fourth week of February 2024, but for the sixth consecutive week, no fertilizer price was up or down by a substantial amount, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.
Prices for six of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, marking the third week in a row most prices rose. The remaining two fertilizers were lower looking back a month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.
Of the six fertilizers higher in price, DAP had an average price of $756 per ton, MAP $812/ton, urea $536/ton, 10-34-0 $615/ton, UAN28 $341/ton and UAN32 $394/ton.
The remaining two fertilizers, meanwhile, were just slightly lower in price compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $505/ton, while anhydrous was at $769/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.58/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.61/lb.N and UAN32 $0.62/lb.N.
All fertilizers except two are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 2% lower, DAP is 9% less expensive, both 10-34-0 and urea are 17% lower, UAN28 is 23% less expensive, potash is 24% lower, UAN32 is 25% less expensive and anhydrous is 29% lower compared to a year prior.
Corn Congress Ratifies NCGA Strategic Plan, Heightening Focus on Demand Building and Positioning Organization for Future Service to Growers
The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress recently ratified a new strategic plan for the organization, modernizing its objectives and positioning the organization to focus on increasing corn demand. The vote to approve the new plan came on Saturday as Corn Congress concluded its meeting in Houston, Texas.
After the vote, NCGA officials highlighted the plan’s importance to the organization’s mission.
“Controlling the future is impossible, but we can take steps to Shape the Future,” said NCGA President and Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle. “This plan, which represents hundreds of hours of work and input from growers, our state partners, the Corn Board and NCGA staff, will allow us to meet the needs of our farmers, not just today but well into the future.”
Driving demand for future U.S. corn production is a key focus of the plan, as projected yield trends show continued growth in production through the end of the decade and beyond. NCGA will also focus on protecting the profitability and operational freedom of corn growers through strong farm safety net programs and engagement with members of the value chain.
“This strategic plan positions us well to address the important issues facing corn growers while taking advantage of the opportunities that will benefit our farmers and rural America,” said NCGA CEO Neil Caskey. “One of our top priorities over the next several years will be increasing demand for corn by maximizing our current markets and pursuing new opportunities both domestically and internationally.”
Now that the strategic plan has been ratified, the NCGA board will develop annual operating plans, which will allow for flexibility to adjust goals and measurements as needed based on political and market developments.
Commodity Classic Announces Record-Breaking Show
Over 11,500 attendees including more than 4,600 farmers along with exhibitors, industry stakeholders, and ag media gathered in Houston from February 28-March 2 for the 2024 Commodity Classic.
The Houston event broke the previous Commodity Classic record of 10,400 attendees, which was held in Orlando in 2023.
“The energy in Houston was unlike anything we’ve experienced at Commodity Classic,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, a Nebraska farmer, NCGA member, and co-chair of the 2024 Commodity Classic. “Our advance registration was about 30% ahead of our record-breaking Orlando show in 2023, so we knew we were going to have a big event for the show’s first time in Houston.”
Fellow 2024 co-chair Brandon Wipf, a South Dakota farmer and ASA director, echoed Hunnicutt’s comments. “It’s exciting to see Commodity Classic’s attendance grow in recent years. We were expecting a big crowd in Houston, and we’re looking forward to bringing the show to Denver for the first time in 2025.”
This year’s event featured more than 30 educational sessions, two sold-out trade show floors with over 435 exhibitors, a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, and policy meetings of the sponsoring commodity associations. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of presentations from top farmers and well-known industry leaders along with tours of popular Houston attractions. Guests also enjoyed closing out the event at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday, March 2, with a concert featuring country artist Hardy.
The 2025 Commodity Classic will be held March 2-4 in Denver, CO. Companies who wish to exhibit at the 2025 show should look for the exhibitor application in the coming weeks on the Commodity Classic website at www.CommodityClassic.com. Registration for the Denver show will open in November of 2024.
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