2008 Commodity Classic:

Kicking Tires on the Show Floor and Farmer to Farmer Networking Top the Benefits List for Growers who attended the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville

Kicking Tires on the Show Floor and Farmer to Farmer Networking Top the Benefits List for Growers who attended the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville, TN.

Commodity Classic moves to the Dallas, Texas area in 2009. Organizers will have their work cut out for them after record attendance of 4,534 was seen this past year. Page, North Dakota wheat grower Mark Gage was on the steering committee for the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville.

Mark Gage, Page, ND
“We check locations, we go over the content, the vital topics that will make our producers more money and evaluate the WIN Sessions so they match with what the farmers need,” said Gage. “It is all about bringing home more dollars to our producers. Any time that you can attend a convention and pick up a marketing tip or way to save on inputs is great. One tip can save thousands to the bottom-line.”

The strong farm economy was evident in the Opryland exhibit hall. The facility was filled to capacity with agriculture companies and farmers.

Lance Peterson, Underwood, MN
“I enjoy seeing things that are cutting edge. In the trade show, it is fun to kick some tires and look at some things that are coming down the line,” explained Lance Peterson, a grower from Underwood, Minnesota. The various breakout sessions at Commodity Classic are also popular. “There are a lot of things we can learn about; both domestically and globally. I’m intrigued about what is happening globally, both with production, but also transportation. It is an eye opener.”

Jared Hagert,Emerado, ND
Farmer Jared Hagert says Commodity Classic is an opportunity to advance his knowledge in corn, wheat or soybean production. It is also a chance to connect with other producers. “I like coming down and seeing some of those producers that I’ve been involved with before, renewing those old friendships.”

Wally Hardie, Fairmount, ND
As a former National Corn Growers Association president, Wally Hardie welcomes the wealth of information found at Commodity Classic. When the Fairmount, North Dakota farmer was at the helm of the NCGA ten years ago, the corn and soybean groups came together for a joint convention. Two years ago, the National Association of Wheat Growers joined the NCGA and American Soybean Association to host Commodity Classic.

“It gets better and better in terms of the information you get here,” said Hardie, “There is just so much good information. For example, we attended an estate planning session that we wouldn’t probably go to otherwise. I think there is a fellowship aspect, too; if you’ve been involved in a commodity organization, being able to touch base with friends you’ve made over the years is a whole lot of fun.”

Mark Formo,Litchfield, ND
North Dakota farmer Mark Formo participated in a grower panel at the Bayer CropScience Agriculture Issues Summit. This event was held in conjunction with Commodity Classic. “I met four guys from other parts of the United States that have different farming operations; but we’re all in it for the same thing,” said Formo. “They do things differently, but it’s all agriculture.”

The farm panel highlighted their 2008 planting decisions and land values. “In our area, some of the land rents have doubled while some have tripled,” said Formo.

Kurt Krueger, Rothsay, MN
This is second Commodity Classis Kurt Krueger has attended. The Rothsay, Minnesota farmer appreciates the chance to network with other farmers. “It is a lot of fun. Thousands of us get together and you meet up with others from different parts of the country,” said Krueger. “Even though, we live far apart, it seems like the issues are all the same. We realize that it doesn’t matter what corner of the country you’re at, we all deal with the same stuff.”