Future
of Agriculture Focus of Commodity Classic General Session Panel
(10-21-04)
Corn and soybean growers
who attend the 2005 Commodity Classic, Feb. 24-26 in Austin,
Texas, will have a unique opportunity to
hear premier agriculture experts and futurists address the outlook
for U.S. agriculture during a dynamic, high-energy General Session
panel discussion entitled “Growing America’s Future.” Commodity
Classic is the joint annual convention and trade show of the National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Soybean Association.
Noted ag commentator
John Phipps will moderate the panel, which includes Greenpeace
co-founder Patrick Moore; agriculture biotechnology
expert Sano Shimoda; and Lynn Jensen, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
rural development director for South Dakota.
“
We live in a constantly changing world and it’s important
for farmers to adjust to rapid social, economic, environmental
and technical changes,” said Scott Wall, NCGA Corn Board
member and co-chair of the Commodity Classic Grower Committee. “It
will be extremely interesting to hear what these experts have to
say about what lies ahead for U.S. farmers. The panelists come
from diverse backgrounds, and each offers a unique perspective
on the role of U.S. agriculture in the future.”
The panel
will explore a variety of topics, including the promise of biotechnology,
combating negative consumer attitudes toward
technology and farming, redefining U.S. agriculture’s role
to improve the economic and social well-being of Americans, and
strategies for moving rural America forward.
Following
the panel discussion, Olympic athlete Vince Poscente will share
a motivating message with growers about how he went
from a recreational skier to a world-class athlete.
“
Vince delivers a powerful message and his story is truly remarkable,” Wall
said. “Growers will certainly enjoy hearing his strategies
for achieving excellence.”
The General
Session is one of many exciting items on the Commodity Classic
agenda, Wall said, and this year’s event is shaping
up to be the best ever.
“
This year’s agenda is top-notch. We had record attendance
at last year’s Commodity Classic, and we’re expecting
a similar showing this time around,” Wall said. “If
corn and soybean growers only attend one major agricultural event
in 2005, it should undoubtedly be the Commodity Classic.”
Registration
for the 2005 Commodity Classic opens in November. For more information,
go to www.commodityclassic.com.