Quartet of Speakers Headline Commodity Classic General Session (2-13-06)

Renewable energy, the environment and music will highlight the 2006 Commodity Classic General Session in Anaheim, Calif., March 3. Commodity Classic, the combined trade show and convention of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association, will be held March 2-4 in Anaheim, Calif.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will lead a session on the promise of renewable fuels. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been invited to participate in the discussion as well. As governor, Pawlenty led the charge to implement a 20 percent renewable fuels requirement by 2013 in Minnesota. He has been a vocal supported of renewable throughout his term, realizing the benefits of rural development associated with ethanol production.

“Governor Pawlenty has been a long-time supporter of renewable fuels, agriculture and rural development,” said Gerald Tumbleson, NCGA president. “He realizes the important role renewable fuels play in our nations’ economy.”

Dr. Jay Lehr will discuss the truth about agriculture and the environment. Lehr has five decades of experience in agricultural economics and has always been a champion of the American farmer and rancher. He believes the American farmer is in fact the best steward and conservationist of the land.

Country music artist Michael Peterson will motivate the audience with an inspirational message about Americans’ duty to country and community.

In addition, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will give the keynote address at Commodity Classic for the second consecutive year. Secretary Johanns is expected to discuss his perspectives on the upcoming farm bill discussion, and to reflect on his first year in office.

“All of our speakers will strike a chord with growers,” Tumbleson said. “They realize how hard farmers work to provide food, fiber and fuel for America, and their messages will be ones growers can relate to.”

In addition to the General Session, attendees can see the latest in technology, products and services at the trade show, which will showcase 175 exhibitors in more than 625 booths. The Commodity Classic agenda is one of the most diverse educational agendas in agriculture, touching on all facets of the industry. Growers are sure to receive the latest in-depth information that is important to them, while also benefiting from the numerous networking opportunities and outlooks from agricultural industry leaders.

For more information on Commodity Classic, visit: www.commodityclassic.com.