U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2022 Commodity Classic held March 10-12 in New Orleans. The General Session is scheduled for Friday, March 11, at 9 a.m. at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Secretary Vilsack is expected to share his vision for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the role of U.S. agriculture in America’s economic vitality, including his thoughts on more, new and better market opportunities; expanded capacity and competition; exports performance; and rural development and climate programs.
The General Session will also include a panel discussion with leaders of the five associations that present Commodity Classic: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. And, attendees will hear from key agricultural industry leaders on current priorities and trends.
Secretary Vilsack was confirmed in February 2021 to serve as the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He returned to the role he previously filled for eight years, having been the longest-serving member of President Obama’s original Cabinet. Prior to that appointment, he served two terms as Governor of Iowa, served in the Iowa State Senate and as mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Before returning to USDA in 2021, Secretary Vilsack served as president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. There, he provided strategic leadership and oversight of USDEC's global promotional and research activities, regulatory affairs and trade policy initiatives. He also served as a strategic adviser to Colorado State University’s food and water initiatives.
Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, USDA is working to build back better by restoring the American economy, strengthening rural and historically underserved communities, responding to threats of climate change, creating good-paying jobs for American workers and the next generation of agricultural leaders, and investing in children and families.
Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic. In addition to the General Session, Commodity Classic offers Learning Center, What’s New, and Early Riser education sessions, along with other opportunities for education and events at the Commodity Classic Main Stage. In addition, Commodity Classic features a significant three-day trade show, entertainment, and the opportunity to network with thousands of America’s farmers and agriculture industry professionals.
Detailed information on all educational sessions and the full Commodity Classic schedule are available at commodityclassic.com. Attendees may register for all three days or choose one-day registration. Registration is also available on-site.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is the largest farmer-owned, farmer-run trade show event and is produced by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2022 Commodity Classic Friday, March 11, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
