Successful Commodity Classic Stacks Up Records
The 2012 Commodity Classic surpassed all previous turnout records with a total of 6,014 attendees. This represents a 25 percent increase from last year's record of 4,826 attendees. Once again, farm families represented over half of the participants, with 3,505 growers, spouses and children attending.
"We broke records in every category," said Commodity Classic Co-chair Martin Barbre. "However, the most exciting number was beating last year's record of first-time attendees by 48 percent. It's very gratifying to see that Commodity Classic's appeal continues to grow."
This year's show also experienced the highest number of exhibitor and media attendees. The 963-booth trade show was sold out with a waiting list of interested parties ready to take advantage of cancelations.
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NCGA Recognizes Recruiting Excellence
Each year, NCGA recognizes the hard work of grower members who recruit colleagues into the association. At a time when many associations have seen membership decline, NCGA continues to enjoy record membership, in large part because of the excellent job recruiters do in helping farmers understand the work done on their behalf. Another strong effort helped NCGA set a new membership record of 37,160 in August.
"NCGA's continued growth clearly demonstrates the value that members see in the organization," said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team. "Through our efforts in the industry, in government and with the public, NCGA works tirelessly to defend corn farmers and create new opportunities for them to flourish. Programs such as Leadership at Its Best, the National Corn Yield Contest and scholarship opportunities allow growers to benefit from membership in a personal way while growers across the country benefit from the association's activities promoting positive changes."
For 2011, NCGA recognized three Hall of Fame top recruiters, based on the number of growers each one recruited and the number of points earned for recruitment and retention. Notably, only those already inducted into the NCGA recruiter Hall of Fame are eligible for this award: Leslie Roach, Wheatland, N.D. (403 members, 1,386 points); Douglas Toreen, Bird Island, Minn. (209 members, 1,135 points); and Roger Bonham, Washington Court House, Ohio (209 members, 716 points).
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Report Highlights Good Quality of 2011 U.S. Corn Crop
U.S. corn farmers harvested a high-quality crop in 2011, according to a report released by the U.S. Grains Council. With good test weights, low damage and relatively high protein concentrations, the crop will require little drying and store well. The first report of this kind issued by the Council, this initial edition sets a baseline for subsequent annual updates while establishing credible criteria and processes through which to assess the crop.
"The global corn market is increasingly competitive, and the Council believes that the availability of accurate, consistent, and comparable information is in the long-term interests of all concerned," said USGC Chairman Wendell Shauman. "Improved information will facilitate increased trade - and when trade works, the world wins."
This report, created to answer buyers' questions about the quality of the current U.S. crop and assist in making well-informed decisions, adds to the insight offered by NCGA in reports such as World of Corn.
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USFRA Panel Explored Technology and Agriculture
As a preview to National Agriculture Day events in Washington, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance held a panel discussion on Capitol Hill that was streamed live online, with opportunities for questions from the public. While not a panelist, National Corn Growers Association Chairman Bart Schott, a North Dakota corn farmer, was present in his role as Vice Chair of USFRA.
"We're proud to be one of the founding organizations of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance," Schott said. "Not only has this organization united farmers and ranchers together as never before, but it is helping jumpstart a real conversation about our commitment to continuous improvement to provide healthy choices for all when it comes to the food they eat. This panel helped bring that conversation to our nation's capital."
The discussion, before an audience of more than 20, center edon technology, and how, for most industries, it is seen as a catalyst for improvement, but this is often not the case for agriculture. The panelists also discussed the role technology plays, and how it can be used responsibly to meet the growing needs of our nation and the world, as well as addressed the concerns of our families and the need for healthy choices for everyone. The event was created through a partnership with Agri-Pulse, a respected provider of agriculture policy news.
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