More Than 4,000 People Experience ‘Bounty on the Bay’ at Commodity Classic (3-7-07)

Near-record attendance at the 2007 Commodity Classic, the joint convention and trade show of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the American Soybean Association and the National Association of Wheat Growers, enjoyed a lively General Session and information-packed What Is New, Early Riser Marketing and Learning Center sessions.

The 2007 Commodity Classic, “Bounty on the Bay,” was attended by more than 4,000 people, the second largest crowd behind the 2004 Commodity Classic in Las Vegas. Of those, more than 1,300 growers from the three largest crops in the United States came to Tampa, Fla. March 1-3, to learn ways to improve profitability and productivity on their farms.

“Commodity Classic generated greater interest this year because of agriculture’s importance to the country and the world,” said NCGA President Ken McCauley. “We are in a new era of agriculture, and Commodity Classic showcased the new trends and products and highlighted the ways growers are contributing to producing feed, food, fiber and fuel for the world.”

The 12th annual event featured more companies than ever, with 197 represented and 675 booths on the trade show floor; a keynote speech by U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab; an inspirational message from Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and prisoner of war Ron Young; and an Evening of Entertainment with country music artist Collin Raye.

Next year’s Commodity Classic will take place Feb. 28-March 1 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

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