Combined Convention and Trade Show of the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Bob Callanan, ASA, (314) 754-1291
Melissa George, NAWG, (202) 547-7800
Nick Weber, NCGA, (636) 733-9004

Commodity Classic Brings Growers Together for "Bounty on the Bay"

ST. LOUIS (November 2, 2006) —There is plenty of “Bounty on the Bay” for all corn, soybean and wheat growers who attend the 11th annual Commodity Classic March 1-3 in Tampa, Fla., as producers will have opportunities to network with agribusiness leaders, attend educational sessions and increase profitability on their farms.

Commodity Classic is the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). This is the first year NAWG joins Commodity Classic.

The event, now less than four months away, brings growers together with key decision-makers in the agricultural industry and farmer leaders from around the country.

“Commodity Classic provides growers the opportunity to learn about new ideas in agriculture and take advantage of them,” said NCGA President Ken McCauley. “The marketing sessions help producers get a grasp on marketing this year and what to expect in the near future.”

“There’s no better event than Commodity Classic, with its impressive trade show, to help farmers stay on the cutting edge of new technology, products and services,” said ASA President Rick Ostlie. “Representatives from all the top agriculture companies are on hand to talk with growers and answer their questions.”

With the addition of NAWG to Commodity Classic, the nation’s top three crops will be represented. Corn, soybeans and wheat account for more than two-thirds of U.S. cropland.

“NAWG’s members are excited about our first Commodity Classic,” said Dale Schuler, NAWG president. “This should be an educational and entertaining experience for wheat growers, and I know growers of all three crops will benefit from this partnership.”

U.S. Farm Report host John Phipps once again will handle the emcee duties for the General Session. He will bring together McCauley, Ostlie and Schuler for a candid discussion on each organization’s goals for the upcoming year and how producers can promote agriculture to the American public.

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab has been invited to deliver the General Session keynote address. Ron Young, a prisoner of war during Operation Iraqi Freedom, will also share his personal story of dedication, courage and inspiration.

Country music star Collin Raye, who has had several number one hits on country music charts, will perform Saturday, March 3, at the “Evening of Entertainment,” sponsored by Monsanto. Some of his hits include: “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “My Kind of Girl,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It.”

Producers can expect the Commodity Classic registration brochure to hit their mailboxes in mid-November. For more information, visit www.commodityclassic.com.

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The National Corn Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members, 45 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information, log on to www.ncga.com.