Commodity Classic Brings NCGA Members Together for “Bounty on the Bay” (11-2-06)

There is plenty of “Bounty on the Bay” for National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members who attend the 11th annual Commodity Classic March 1-3 in Tampa, Fla., as producers will have opportunities to network with agribusiness leaders, attend educational sessions and increase profitability on their farms.

Commodity Classic is the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). This is the first year NAWG joins Commodity Classic.

The event, now less than four months away, brings growers together with key decision-makers in the agricultural industry and farmer leaders from around the country.

“Commodity Classic provides growers the opportunity to learn about new ideas in agriculture and take advantage of them,” said NCGA President Ken McCauley. “The marketing sessions help producers get a grasp on marketing this year and what to expect in the near future.”

With the addition of NAWG to Commodity Classic, the nation’s top three crops will be represented. Corn, soybeans and wheat account for more than two-thirds of U.S. cropland.

U.S. Farm Report host John Phipps once again will handle the emcee duties for the General Session. He will bring together McCauley, ASA President Rick Ostlie and NAWG President Dale Schuler for a candid discussion on each organization’s goals for the upcoming year and how producers can promote agriculture to the American public.

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab has been invited to deliver the General Session keynote address. Ron Young, a prisoner of war during Operation Iraqi Freedom, will also share his personal story of dedication, courage and inspiration.

Country music star Collin Raye, who has had several number one hits on country music charts, will perform Saturday, March 3, at the “Evening of Entertainment,” sponsored by Monsanto. Some of his hits include: “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “My Kind of Girl,”  “I Can Still Feel You” and “That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It.”

Producers can expect the Commodity Classic registration brochure to hit their mailboxes in mid-November. For more information, visit www.commodityclassic.com.