NCGA’s Tumbleson Calls 2006 Commodity Classic ‘Great Event’ (3-6-06)

The 2006 Commodity Classic, the joint trade show and convention of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) held last week in Anaheim, Calif., was an overwhelming success, said NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson.

More than 3,400 people attended this year’s Commodity Classic. The 10th annual event featured more than 180 agribusinesses and 640 booths on the trade show floor; speeches by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; an announcement that the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) will join Commodity Classic in 2007; and an Evening of Entertainment with country music artist Lorrie Morgan. In addition, NCGA held its first Corn Congress session of 2006.

“Every part of this year’s Commodity Classic was great,” said Tumbleson. “Our General Session was one of the best ever. The trade show provided ways for our producers speak face-to-face with industry leaders and to learn about cutting-edge products, services and technology from agribusinesses. Growers attended seminars about production, marketing, management and agriculture issues. Our entertainment was top-notch, with Michael Martin Murphey, Michael Peterson and Lorrie Morgan giving stellar musical performances, and illusionist Mike Super wowing our crowd at the awards banquet.

“It was truly a great event, and NCGA thanks all of the growers who attended.”

Johanns and Pawlenty emphasized the future of agriculture and renewable fuels, respectively, in their speeches. It was the second consecutive year Johanns spoke at Commodity Classic.

Another highlight of this year’s Commodity Classic was the announcement that NAWG will be represented at the 2007 Commodity Classic, March 1-3, in Tampa, Fla.

“The National Association of Wheat Growers will be a wonderful addition to Commodity Classic,” Tumbleson said. “NCGA and ASA look forward to working with the wheat growers and discussing the key issues that affect all three of the groups.”

NCGA also held the first of two Corn Congress sessions at this Commodity Classic. Delegates discussed resolutions and policy recommendations for the future.

“Our delegate body did a fine job in discussing the future policies of our association,” Tumbleson said. “I think everyone believes we accomplished quite a bit this week.”

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