Doug Stark, Chief Executive Officer for Farm Credit Services of America, spoke next with his presentation on "The Producer Lens -- The View Now."  Stark began by saying that producer's generally saw good production in 2013.  They sold 2012 crops at strong cash prices and while little 2013 crops have priced early, they still hold strong cash positions. Stark discussed current trends in both land values and interest rates.  Looking forward in 2014 he identified the following key drivers to consider: 2014 planting intentions, new crop commodity prices, federal reserve action, and ag inflation.  Stark closed by emphasizing that 2014 is the beginning of a soft landing for agriculture.  As grain commodity prices and margins were generally unsustainable, production agriculture margins are now normalizing.  A healthy balance between grain production and livestock production is ideal, and a soft landing is as good as we can expect.

Dr. Robert Paarlberg, Professor of Political Science at Wellesley College, discussed "The Politics of Food Activism: Who is Winning?" which he divided into three separate "contests" -- in the cultural arena, a competition over ideas; in the commercial arena, a competition for market share; and in the governmental arena, a competition to control policy.  Cultural disagreements exist over the importance of productivity and the proper scale of production, over the value of science versus tradition and the impact of science on nature, and over who should make decisions about food and agriculture.  Critics now dominate the elite cultural marketplace and have begun to shape diet choices -- per capita calorie consumption among working age adults has declined, the frequency of home-cooked meals has increased, and more adults are consulting the Nutrition Facts Panel and health claims on packaged food.  Food activists have had little overall impact on the commercial marketplace for crops, with the exception of GMO's where activists have blocked GMO wheat, rice, potato, and nearly all fruits and vegetables.  In the political marketplace, food activists have not been successful  except where CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) affect human health and animal welfare.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the University of California - Davis, closed out the first day of speakers with his presentation on "Connecting Academic Firepower with Industry Needs -- Clearing the Air around Livestock Environmental Issues."   Mitloehner first addressed the mistaken belief that the livestock sector contributes more greenhouse-gas emissions than the transportation industry.  He discussed a United Nations study in 2006 that he says compared apples to oranges in it's review of livestock emissions versus transportation, which exaggerated the livestock contributions.   Mitloehner further stated that interventions continue, which have lead to increased productivity and decreased emissions.   This includes improved genetics, health, and fertility in animals, leading to a decreased number of animals needed to produce product.  In addition, more energy dense feed has led to decreased methane emissions per animal.  Mitloehner emphasized that sustainable intensification is key.  Carbon dioxide emissions from land use change associated with livestock depends on the energy density of feed, the carbon content of soil, management practices, and the weather. 

Jeff Stroburg, Chief Executive Officer, West Central Cooperative, opened up the Friday morning session discussing the new age of cooperatives, in a presentation titled "Not Your Grandpa's Co-op."  Stroburg told attendees that most traditional cooperatives are built on a business model that evolved from 1890 to 1920.  The essential elements he identified as necessary for long-term viability are profitability, interested members, and committed investors. To be profitable, co-ops must liquidate "legacy" locations, establish return on asset benchmarks, and recognize that cooperative's may be different from investor owned firms in having a lower return on asset requirement. 

Steve Whitney, Vice President Marketing & Sales - Bulk, Canadian Pacific, joined us to talk about "Moving More Grain, More Efficiently, Together."  Whitney opened with an overview of the CP and discussed it's recent transformation as the company continues to evolve.  The new CP is focused on driving out waste and improving productivity, ingraining company culture, and the re-organization of marketing and sales to focus on customers and driving growth with partners.   In the second year of a new North American grain marketing system post the CWB monopsony, the market is seeing a new level of competition amongst grain companies, including more players pursuing more lanes.  Whitney reported that everyone is trying to grow, carving out space in this new market environment, and creating new choices for farmers.  Whitney closed by saying that demand will continue to grow, driving new and expanded trade lanes, and the CP will sustain service execution momentum and continue to work to move more grain, more efficiently, together.

Don Borgman, Director of Industry Relations for John Deere, joined us to talk about technology in agriculture among other topics.  He started by discussing big data and how it will help meet demand in the growing world.  Borgman said there is big potential in big data, which may be seen in yield increases, variety selection, fertility response, cost savings, automatic documentation, and environmental benefits.  On the other hand, the concern many have with big data is the loss of privacy.  Borgman then moved on to discuss consumer impacts and influences  and the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. The Alliance, which debuted in 2010, is the largest and broadest effort by agriculture to enhance its image with the consuming public.  In closing, Borgman returned to technology in agriculture, emphasizing that with advances in technology we will be able to grow enough -- the only thing in short supply is demand. 

• Gavilon showcases downtown headquarters with plenty of room to grow.  Spare furnishings are now the only thing on the fifth floor of Gavilon's new downtown Omaha headquarters, but the extra space reveals the firm's ambitions for growth.  The commodities trading firm's offices, opened to guests Monday for a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony, were built for as many as 750 employees, though 400 now report to work there.
• Promotions and retirements at the railroads.  2014 will see many changes in senior level management at the railroads.  With the retirement of Kevin Kaufman at the BNSF, John Miller is the new Group Vice President of Agricultural Products.  At the Union Pacific Lance Fritz has been named president and chief operating officer following the retirement of Jim Young.  Also at the UP, Paul Hammes and Bill Eilbracht will be retiring March 31, and Jason Hess will be promoted to Vice President & General Manager Ag Products effective March 1.     
• Bruce Oakley, Inc. to acquire Johnston's Port 33, Inc.  Bruce Oakley announced February 1 that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Johnston's Port 33, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of W.B. Johnston Grain Company of Enid, OK. The companies expect to close the sale on or about 8 February 2014. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.   
• W.B. Johnston Grain to be acquired by CGB Enterprises, Inc.  It was announced on February 3 that W.B. Johnston Grain, the oldest and largest privately owned grain company in Oklahoma, has entered into a Letter of Intent to sell its grain company and related businesses to CGB Enterprises, Inc., an innovative and progressive leader in the grain and transportation industries. The parties expect to the close the transaction within 30 - 45 days.