Tuesday November 19 Ag News

West Point agricultural firm contributes to Northeast’s Nexus project

A West Point agricultural firm that believes in local solutions to local challenges has made a financial pledge to the Nexus project at Northeast Community College.

Jeff Wilmes, president of Kaup Seed & Fertilizer in West Point and Kaup Forage and Turf in Norfolk, said his family-owned company has a deep commitment to the producers in the trade area.

“We give back . . . significantly,” Wilmes said, “to communities through fundraisers, schools, charities, and most importantly, the talented Kaup employees who work with our clients each year.”

In keeping with that philosophy, Wilmes and Kaup companies have pledged $25,000 toward the campaign to build new ag facilities at Northeast.

“Agriculture technology is changing fast,” Wilmes said, “and producers of tomorrow need to be able to understand, evaluate, and use technology to produce more profit. The ag department at Northeast provides that training, but new facilities are needed for a better teaching and learning environment.”

Kaup Seed & Fertilizer has been serving Midwest agriculture since 1956 and offers all the necessary crop inputs for area growers. Kaup teammates separate themselves by delivering impeccable service and an innovative approach to researching products that enhance yield for their customers.

Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation, expressed the College’s gratitude for the Kaup contribution to the Nexus project.

“The support of the agribusiness community is important to this endeavor,” Kruse said. “Northeast is educating their future employees and their future customers. A shortage of skilled workers is restricting the growth of many businesses in rural communities, and one of the goals of the Nexus project is to increase the number of ag graduates available to fill those open positions.”

“I can’t stress enough the importance of local financial support for the Nexus capital campaign,” Kruse said. “We have received several six-and-seven figure gifts, but we also need many smaller gifts from area businesses, producers and individuals. Every dollar contributed will be used to ensure the future of agriculture in this area.”

Kruse suggested to those interested in donating to check the website, agwaternexus.com, for the “donate now” link.

“You can give a one-time gift, or a recurring gift,” she explained. “As little as $20 a month over the five-year pledge period means a $1,200 donation to help create a state-of-the-art education facility for agriculture students.”

Funding for the $23 million Agriculture & Water Center for Excellence project is currently being solicited to enhance and expand the agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College. In addition to the College’s commitment of $10 million, Northeast is seeking at least $13 million in private funds to begin the initial phase of construction, which includes a new veterinary technology clinic and classrooms, large animal handling facility and other farm structures for livestock operations and a new farm site with a farm office and storage. The new facilities will be located near the Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex on E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk.

In August, the Acklie Charitable Foundation (ACF) announced a $5 million lead gift to the Nexus project. ACF was founded by the late Duane Acklie and Phyllis Acklie, both Madison County natives and graduates of Norfolk Junior College, a predecessor institution of Northeast Community College.

For more information on the Nexus Campaign, go to agwaternexus.com.



Upcoming Nebraska Farmers Union Convention Agenda Highlights Announced

“Harnessing the Power of Organization to Serve Family Farm Agriculture Since 1913” is the theme for the 106th annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention.  John Hansen, NeFU President said, “We made the decision to move our state conventions around the state to encourage more of our statewide membership to participate.  We are excited to be in Norfolk for the first time in decades. The Divots Conference Center is a great facility, and we hope to see a good area turnout. 

Our delegates and members will do the nuts and bolts work of electing our state President and Directors from Districts 3 and 7.  Incumbents John Hansen and Mary Alice Corman are running for re-election for President and District 3 Director.  District 7 Director Martin Kleinschmit of Hartington has announced his retirement.  Art Tanderup of Neligh has been nominated for the District 7 seat.  Nominations for all state and district offices end noon Friday, December 6th.

In addition to electing officers, three delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention will be elected Friday afternoon. Delegates will set NeFU policy Saturday afternoon,

“Public policy is a competitive process. Farmers and ranchers are either organized to protect and further their economic and social interests, or they are unorganized, which means they are vulnerable,” said NeFU President John Hansen. “All services and benefits begin with being organized.  Thanks to the power of organization, our farmer owned cooperatives were built, public power was established, fire departments were created, and the modern ethanol industry was born. The fewer farmers and ranchers there are, the more important they join and support organizations that support their interests.”

Friday morning highlights include hearing from Craig Larson, retiring General Manager of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, and the new Nebraska Ethanol Board Administrator Roger Berry who will report on Nebraska’s cutting edge case study on the use of 30% ethanol in non-flex fuel state vehicles.  In addition, Berry and National Farmers Union (NFU) Senior Vice-President Rob Larew of Public Policy will discuss federal RFS (Renewable Fuels Standards) issues that are critical to corn utilization and expanded ethanol use.  Larew will be the Saturday noon luncheon keynote speaker as he presents NFU’s year of legislative efforts and issues.

Friday’s noon luncheon will feature a welcome from Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning that highlights Norfolk’s efforts to become a “Green City”. The keynote speaker will be Martha Shulski, Nebraska State Climatologist who will present “2019: A year like no other”.

Friday afternoon will feature:
·         An update on the status of Industrial Hemp with David Bracht, Attorney with Kutak Rock LLP and LD32 State Senator Tom Brandt. 
·         A report on ag spray drift issues with LD32 State Senator Tom Brandt. 
·         Nebraska Rural Response Hotline staff presentation on the issues they face with Michele Soll and Joe Hawbaker and Nebraska Rural Response Council President Vern Jantzen.
·         A preview of the 2019 Legislative session with Speaker LD19 State Senator Jim Scheer, LD32 State Senator Tom Brandt, and LD15 State Senator Lynne Walz.

The Friday evening banquet keynote speakers will be National Farmers Union Historian Tom Giessel of Larned, Kansas and his daughter Kate Giessel who will focus on the critical need for organization.

Saturday morning program highlights include:
·         Citizen Scientist Program Update on water quality testing from Julie Hinmarsh
·         Implementing Regenerative Agriculture Practices to Improve Soil Health from Dan Gillespie, USDA NRCS No-Till specialist.
·         Update on LB243, the Healthy Soils Task Force from LB40 State Senator Tim Gragert.
·         Understanding Nebraska’s Tax System and State Economic Incentives with Open Sky Policy Institute Fiscal Analyst Craig Beck.
·         Straight Talk on Property Tax Relief and Economic Incentives with representatives from the Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education coalition: Jack Moles, Executive Director-NE Rural Community Schools, Association; Bruce Rieker, Vice President of Governmental Relations, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and Al Davis, Board of Director, Independent Cattlemen of NE & NeFU.

The Saturday noon Keynote Luncheon Speaker will be Rob Larew, NFU Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Communications will provide the NFU Government Relations Report and cover federal issues facing agriculture.

NeFU President John Hansen will provide his wrap up remarks and his look ahead for the next year.

Friday afternoon NeFU delegates will finalize state policy for the next year.

Registration is $35 and begins at 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday mornings.  Convention begins at 9:00 a.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

As always, all members and the public are welcome.  More information is available at:  www.nebraskafarmersunion.org or call (402) 476-8815.

Call (402) 379-3833 for room reservations.  The NeFU Convention room rate is $93 per night plus taxes and includes a complimentary hot continental breakfast. The normal room rate is $166, so be sure to call and ask for the Nebraska Farmers Union rate of $93.  The room reservation registration deadline is November 29th.



Gather 'Round the Drool Log with Beef.

Just in time for the holidays, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is releasing a new craveable Beef Drool Log video sure to “spice up” any gathering and celebration. The Beef Drool Log is a two-and-a-half-hour video featuring a beautiful Prime Rib Roast cooking to perfection on a rotisserie over open flame. The video pays homage to the iconic Yule Log but puts a tasty spin on it like only beef can.

The Beef Drool Log can be found on YouTube and is sure to add some holiday flavor to your workplace, a dinner party, or a night at home with the family. Shorter versions of the mouthwatering video will be showcased in the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. holiday digital marketing efforts on Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Holiday moviegoers will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Beef Drool Log in National CineMedia Noovie pre-show in select movie theaters in 10 states between November 22 and December 5.

Nine state beef councils are supporting in-state theater promotions with dollars from the half of the $1-per-head national Beef Checkoff they manage. Councils in Washington, Nebraska, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, Idaho, Iowa and Florida have committed funds to the effort, as has the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative. Overall, 212 theaters with more than 2,700 screens will be participating in this aspect of the campaign.

The Beef Drool Log is the latest video in the “Keep Sizzlin’” advertisement collection from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. The original sizzle video, featuring a strip streak crackling and popping as it cooks in a cast iron skillet, has been viewed more than 33 million times. Additional sizzle videos showcasing the popular beef preparation methods of smoking, stir-fry, sous vide, and grilling have more than 81 million views.

“Real beef’s great taste and ‘drool worthiness’ cannot be replicated, which is why we think sizzle videos resonate so well with consumers,” said Season Solorio, senior executive director of brand marketing and communications, at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “The holidays are the perfect time to build on the sizzle concept we know consumers love and add a touch of nostalgia by pairing two holiday favorites – beef and the traditional Yule Log video. The resulting Beef Drool Log is sure to be an instant holiday favorite and crowd pleaser.”

“We’re excited many state beef councils are working with our national team to extend the impact of this campaign,” said Laurie Munns, a cattle producer from Hansel Valley, Utah, and Federation of State Beef Councils chair. “This cooperative effort demonstrates the value of a coordinated state and national partnership.”

The Beef Drool Log is a reminder that consumers love to gather around a roast for the holidays - be it on a screen or on the dinner table. In fact, 60 percent of annual roast sales are accounted for in December, according to IRI/Freshlook. And, with more than 80 percent of beef grading the highest available USDA quality grades of Prime or Choice, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the juicy and delicious flavor of tender beef.



October Milk Production in the United States up 1.3 Percent

Milk production in the United States during October totaled 18.1 billion pounds, up 1.3 percent from October 2018.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,941 pounds for October,
33 pounds above October 2018.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.33 million head, 40,000 head less than October 2018, but 5,000 head more than September 2019.

Iowa:  Milk production in Iowa during October 2019 totaled 442 million pounds, down 1 percent from the previous October according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during October, at 217,000 head, was the same as last month but down 3,000 from last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,035 pounds, up 10 pounds from last October.



Iowa State Dairy Association To Hold Annual Meeting December 4-5

The Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) will hold its Annual Meeting Dec. 4-5th, 2019 at the Quality Inn & Suites, 2601 E. 13th St, Ames, IA 50010.  All ISDA members are invited to attend, along with anyone interested in dairy who wishes to explore opportunities for becoming a member.

This year’s meeting will kick off on Dec. 4th with an educational session hosted by Don Schindler with Dairy Management Inc. In this session, Don will review how to market dairy successfully to the conflicted health seeker audience in a digital age with experiential marketing techniques. Attendees will get hands on experience that they can take back home to use on their own operations. Following this session, we will review the ISDA Policy book.

Corey Geiger, Managing Editor of the Hoard’s Dairyman, will be our keynote speaker on Dec. 5th and will discuss genomics, Beef on Dairy, U.S. Dairy Exports, China and much more. Corey has spoken in Canada, China, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and 19 U.S. states.

We will also have Matt Tranel, with Commodity Risk Management Group, discuss the tools that are available for dairymen in the current market. Matt will talk about ways to reduce risk and look at the current market landscape.

The business meeting on Dec. 5th includes ISDA’s officer reports and activity updates. In addition, changes to ISDA policy will be discussed and voted on by the ISDA voting delegates.

Lunch is included, and there is no cost to attend. A detailed agenda, registration details, current ISDA policy and weather-related meeting status notifications can be viewed at www.iowadairy.org/registration. 



NBB Welcomes Proposal for Long-Term Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive

Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), chairman of the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, released a wide-ranging proposal to incentivize renewable energy and energy efficiency. NBB welcomes the proposal (Sec. 201) for a multi-year extension of the biodiesel tax incentive; it would keep the credit at its current rate of $1.00 per gallon for 2018 through 2021 but gradually reduce it to $0.33 per gallon by 2024.

Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with the National Biodiesel Board, stated, "The biodiesel industry has long advocated for a long-term tax extension to provide certainty and predictably for producers and feedstock providers. Too often, the credit has been allowed to lapse and then be reinstated retroactively, which does not provide the certainty businesses need to plan, invest, and create jobs.

"Since the start of the year, 10 biodiesel plants have been forced to cut production or close and lay off workers due to policy uncertainty. The biodiesel industry needs an immediate multiyear extension of the tax incentive -- at a minimum for 2018, 2019 and 2020 -- to stem the losses.

"We appreciate the recognition -- through this proposed long-term extension -- that the biodiesel industry is integral to our domestic energy needs. We look forward to working with our supporters on Capitol Hill to ensure that consumers, producers and marketers benefit from a long-term, forward-looking pro-growth tax policy."



Biodiesel Industry Meets with 88 Capitol Hill Offices to Discuss Tax Incentive

Today, nearly 100 National Biodiesel Board (NBB) members gathered in the nation's capital to meet with 88 Congressional offices and discuss the status of the biodiesel tax incentive. The meetings are part of NBB's fall member meeting in Washington, DC.

Kurt Kovarik, NBB's Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, "Biodiesel and renewable diesel has a sizeable economic impact across the United States. The industry supports more than 65,000 jobs across multiple economic sectors, with more than $17 billion in annual economic activity.

"The uncertainty that biodiesel producers and workers along with farmers are facing, due to the biodiesel tax incentive's lapse, is having a tremendous negative effect. Since the start of the year, 10 biodiesel producers have closed or cut production, laying off workers. NBB is hosting these meetings to thank our Congressional champions and work with them to urge Congressional leaders to renew the biodiesel tax incentive before the end of the year."

Among the confirmed meetings, NBB members met with 19 Senators and Representatives from 27 states and the District of Columbia. They are visiting with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). NBB members also are meeting with Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA).



United States and South Korea Reach Agreement on Guaranteed Market Access for American Rice

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue are pleased to announce that the Trump Administration has reached an agreement with the government of South Korea on market access for U.S. rice.

Under the agreement, Korea will provide access for 132,304 tons of U.S. rice annually, with an annual value of approximately $110 million. Korea also agreed to important disciplines to ensure transparency and predictability around the tendering and auctioning for U.S. rice.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, this agreement gives our farmers the largest volume of guaranteed market access for rice in Korea that the United States has ever enjoyed,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “It will prove enormously beneficial for American producers and their customers in Korea, who will enjoy access to high quality and cost competitive U.S. rice.”

Secretary Perdue said, “Today’s announcement is another great testament of President Trump’s determination to expand export opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. Exports are critical for the economic health of the U.S. rice industry, with half our crop being exported every year. Agreements like this, that expand opportunities for U.S. rice producers in important markets, are critical to introduce foreign customers to the bounty of goods produced by America’s farmers.”



COMMODITY CLASSIC ANNOUNCES MAIN STAGE LINE-UP FOR 2020

Some of the nation’s leading agriculture experts and well-known personalities will be featured on the Main Stage during the 2020 Commodity Classic held Thursday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 29 in San Antonio, Texas. Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience.

The Main Stage, presented by Successful Farming® and Commodity Classic, is located right on the trade show floor.  Presentations are scheduled during trade show hours. The Main Stage line-up for 2020 includes:
-    Brian Hefty and Darren Hefty of Ag Ph.D. speaking about the relationship between fertility and high yields
-    A farmer panel discussing the challenge of transitioning a farm operation to the next generation
-    A discussion of the economic factors impacting machinery purchases
-    A panel discussion on nutrient stewardship and conservation
-    An update on new regulations governing lighting and marketing standards for on-road ag equipment use
-    The potential impact of African Swine Fever on grain markets, trade and U.S. livestock production
-    Political trends and influences affecting farming and ranching
-    Al Kluis, a marketing columnist for Successful Farming®, discussing marketing strategies
-    A cooking demonstration by registered dietitian Mary Alice Cain

Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers, unique optional tours and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

Registration and housing for the 2020 Commodity Classic are now available at www.CommodityClassic.com.  A complete schedule of events and additional details are also available on the website.



Farmers Receive 12 Cents of the Thanksgiving Food Dollar, NFU Farmer’s Share Shows

Farmers and ranchers take home just 12.1 cents from every dollar that consumers spend on their Thanksgiving dinner meals, according to the annual Thanksgiving edition of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Farmer’s Share publication. The popular Thanksgiving Farmer’s Share compares the retail food price of traditional holiday dinner items to the amount the farmer receives for each item they grow or raise.

“As we gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table this year, we should take time to recognize and thank the family farmers and ranchers who provide our Thanksgiving meals,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “While consumer holiday food costs continue to decline, incomes for American farm and ranch families are have dropped dramatically over the past seven years. We’re in the midst of the worst farm economic downturn in generations, and we’re hopeful the Farmer’s Share can help illustrate that fact to the general public.”

On average, farmers receive 14.6 cents of every food dollar consumers spend throughout the year, while more than 85 percent of food costs cover marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing. As the Thanksgiving Farmer’s Share illustrates, the farmer’s share is even lower for Thanksgiving food items.

Wheat farmers averaged a meager $0.03 on 12 dinner rolls that retail for $2.69. Dairy producers received only $1.66 from a $4.59 gallon of milk. And turkey growers, who raise the staple Thanksgiving dish, received just $0.06 per pound retailing at $1.49. Johnson says that $0.06 figure—while striking on its own—is particularly egregious when considering the fact that poultry integrators received $0.62 per pound.

“The major integrators who control the poultry markets have used their extreme bargaining power to suppress the earnings of the men and women who raise our chickens and turkeys while simultaneously taking in record profits for themselves,” Johnson said. “While poultry growers take all the risk of production, they are receiving just 5 to 6 cents per pound for turkeys and chickens. The integrators take those same turkeys and chickens, process them, and then mark up the retail value tenfold.”

Thanksgiving presents an opportunity to raise awareness about food production, including misconceptions about food costs, Johnson explained. “Farmers and ranchers play the most valuable role in actually producing the food that is served at holiday dinners, yet they make just pennies on the dollar for their products. The farmer’s share of the retail food dollar continues its gradual decline from year-to-year as food companies take in record profits and family farmers sell their farms. This is certainly not what the consumer wants, but it is what is happening behind the scenes of their Thanksgiving holiday.”

Johnson urged consumers to take notice of what is happening in the food system and supporting policies that benefit family farmers and ranchers. Those interested can learn more at NFU.org.

The Farmer's Share is based on calculations derived from the monthly Agriculture Prices report produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and price points of common grocery food items at Safeway supermarket. The farmer’s share of retail turkey sales is reported by the Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias, as national data on farm prices for turkey does not reflect the amount turkey growers receive.



Consumer Group: No One Likes a Faker

Today, the Center for Consumer Freedom placed a full-page ad in The New York Post highlighting fake things people should probably avoid, including fake meat, toupees, and fake orgasms. Despite being called “plant-based,” fake meat products are ultra-processed substances that go against clean-eating trends.

Research agrees. Surveys have shown that 40% of those who eat plant-based foods try to avoid processed foods. A recent study, conducted by the National Institute of Health, found ultra-processed foods lead to overeating and weight gain.

This ad is part of CCF’s educational campaign to alert the public of the ultra-processed nature of fake meat. Within the last month, CCF has had op-eds placed in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.  Additionally, past ads have run in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Post. For a helpful ingredients comparison tool or for more information on the campaign go to CleanFoodFacts.com.

CCF managing director Will Coggin commented: “Despite what some companies would have you believe, meat analogues are not healthier than the real thing. These new products are just ultra-processed knock-offs.”



Paraguay Approves Drought-Resistant Soybean Variety

Argentine biotechnology company Bioceres SA said on Tuesday that Paraguay, the fourth largest exporter of soy, had approved a soybean seed resistant to drought and "HB4" herbicides, adding the South American nation to a growing list of countries authorizing it.

According to Reuters, the variety, developed by Bioceres and U.S.-based Arcadia Biosciences Inc through joint venture Verdeca, has already been approved by the United States, Brasil and Argentina, the world's three top soy exporters.

Canada, which exports 70 percent of soybeans produced here, is the fifth largest exporter of soybeans, moving 5.3 million tonnes in 2018-19.

"Seen from the standpoint of market opportunity, this not only adds more than 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres), but also helps us in development efforts for southern Brazil, where production conditions are generally similar," said Bioceres CEO Federico Trucco in a statement.

The company said China, the world's leading importer of soybeans, continues to evaluate the approval of the "HB4" variety. Bioceres said it expects a decision by the end of 2020, Reuters reports.

The U.S., Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay together are responsible for 93% of the 149.7 million tons of soybeans to be exported in the 2019/20 harvests, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).



NGFA’s 2019 Country Elevator Conference to feature Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, insights on grain markets and future of food 

The National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 48th annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show, the single largest gathering of country grain elevators in the nation, will feature Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, as well as expert insights into the 2020 market outlook, the future of food and more.

The 2019 edition of this “meeting of the year” for country elevator managers, merchants and personnel, to be conducted Dec. 8-10 at the J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis, will bring together more than 600 agribusiness professionals for a day-and-a half of information and networking. In addition to notable keynote speakers, breakout sessions will include workshops examining the business implications of rural mental health challenges, an in-depth market advisory session and an examination of the impacts of African Swine Fever-prevention efforts on the grain and feed sectors.

“NGFA’s Country Elevator Committee and staff work to develop a robust program that makes this conference a unique and well-rounded event for country elevators and businesses across the supply chain,” said Brian Gordon, NGFA’s Country Elevator Committee chairman and chief executive officer of the Ritzville Warehouse Co. in Ritzville, Wash. “This conference is a great opportunity to gain critical and actionable information in one place at one time that will make a real difference in your business operations and bottom lines. And of course, the exhibitor trade show and great networking events offer plenty of time to connect with and learn from industry colleagues and introduce younger members of the NGFA to a career path in the grain industry.”

Program general sessions include:
•    A keynote address from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue

•    Seth Meyer, research professor at the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri, and immediate past chairman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) World Agricultural Outlook Board

•    Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity

•    A panel on “Organics, Hemp and the Opportunities of Innovation,” with Eric Jackson, CEO of Pipeline Foods, and Steve Groff, founding chairman of Groff North America.

•    A panel on “Boosting Your Business through Diversity and Inclusion” with Karl Binns, lead development officer at the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and national president of Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); Dave Hoogmoed, executive vice president of Land O'Lakes and president of Purina Animal Nutrition; and Megan Weidner, vice president of corporate responsibility and sustainability at Bunge North America, Inc.

Breakout sessions include:
•    “Resiliency for Agriculture: The Business Implications of Rural Mental Health Challenges” with Michele Payn, principal of Cause Matters Corp.

•    “African Swine Fever: Analyzing Impacts of a Global Crisis” with Michael Nepveux, economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

•    “The New Hedging Frontier: How Grain Departments Can Lead the Charge in Hedging Fertilizer and Interest Rate Exposures” with Richard Jelinek, vice president of global education; Eric Donovan, managing director and head of FX & interest rates; and Josh Linville, senior risk management consultant, all at INTL FCStone.