In The News

Dec 1, 2023

Key Issues: TradeTransportation and Infrastructure

Author: Krista Swanson

For the second year in a row, drought conditions are impacting transportation on the Mississippi River at the peak shipment point of the year. Shallower river levels mean barge weight restrictions, slower barge traffic, and higher costs to ship commodities on the river. Ultimately, this translates to a relatively lower price at the farmgate and higher cost for the world buyer.   Drought Slows Grain Barge Traffic in 2022 and 2023 The Mississippi River is an important channel for commodity transportation. The USDA reports the final mode of transport was barge for 13% of U.S. grains in 2020, and 46% of exported U.S. grains[i]. There are normally two peaks in grain barge movements, one in late summer leading up to the end of the marketing year for corn and soybeans, and the other emerging in the fall harvest season and into the post-harvest months.   The impact of low water levels on grain barge movements was notable in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of drought...

Mar 21, 2023

Author: Kris Martinez

Over 10,400 attendees – farmers as well as exhibitors, industry stakeholders and members of the media – gathered for the 2023 Commodity Classic March 9-11 in Orlando.   The 2023 event broke the previous Commodity Classic record of 9,770 attendees, which was held in New Orleans in 2016.   “The excitement in Orlando was energizing,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We knew going into the event that registration was up 30% over last year, but to have a record-breaking show just blew us away.”   Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer, NCGA member, and fellow 2023 co-chair, said, “There’s nothing like connecting in person, and it just felt like everyone was so excited to come together again to see the best agriculture has to offer. I can’t wait to see everyone again at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston.”   This year’s event featured more than 30 educational sessions, a sold-out trade show with over 400 exhibitors, a...

Jan 31, 2023

Author: Kris Martinez

Networking with Top Farmers Key Benefit of Attending 2023 Commodity Classic   Farmers across the country are getting excited for the 2023 Commodity Classic, which has just announced registration is up 28% over last year’s event in New Orleans.   The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11 in Orlando. Attendees can register for all three days of the event; single-day passes are also available.   Attendee surveys indicate that networking with other farmers is one of the top reasons producers enjoy Commodity Classic. Hallway conversations and in-person connections are an important part of the educational experience at Commodity Classic as farmers share their knowledge, passion, and insight with colleagues from across the nation.   “We saw near-record attendance the last time the event was held in Orlando in 2019, and our registrations this year are already up 28% over last year,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity...

Jan 25, 2023

Author: Kris Martinez

The nation’s leading agriculture experts and well-known personalities will be featured on the Main Stage during the 2023 Commodity Classic held March 9-11 in Orlando.   The Main Stage, presented by Successful Farming® and Commodity Classic, is located right on the trade show floor. Presentations are scheduled during trade show hours, and highlights of the Main Stage line-up for 2023 include:   Strategies for Success: Where’s the Market Going? with Farm Credit and Kluis Commodity Advisors Cashing In On Carbon with Garth Boyd of Context Network, sponsored by Truterra How to Make the Most Success with XtremeAg, sponsored by FMC Corporation Bring Soil Health to Life, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Generation Next: A Retiring Couple’s Journey to Find a Successor to the Family Farm, presented by Syngenta   “The Main Stage is where growers can find valuable information they need to improve their farming operation,” said 2023 co-chair Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer and NCGA...

Jan 17, 2023

Author: Kris Martinez

Limited Spaces Remain for Orlando Event   Exhibit space at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando is rapidly reaching sell-out status with nearly 400 companies and over 2,600 booth spaces already committed. A limited number of prime visibility booths are expected to sell quickly.   The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11 at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse in Orlando, Florida.   Exhibitors at Commodity Classic will have direct interaction with thousands of top producers, first-time attendees, and key ag media representatives. Commodity Classic attracts top farmers from across the nation who are the early adopters, thought leaders, and innovators in agriculture. Attendee data from the most recent Commodity Classic in New Orleans indicated that the average farmer at Commodity Classic farmed 3,483 acres and represented $3.5 million in total gross farm income.   Commodity Classic provides farmers with a unique combination of outstanding education,...

Jan 11, 2023

Author: Kris Martinez

Only a few days remain to take advantage of early registration discounts for the 2023 Commodity Classic to be held March 9-11 in Orlando.   Friday, January 20, 2023, is the last day the early registration discount will be in effect.    “Going to Commodity Classic is an investment in any grower’s operation,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “The registration fees are a very small cost for everything you get: top-notch educational sessions, the latest farming technology, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from all over the country. And signing up by January 20 allows growers to take advantage of the best prices.”   Registration fees vary depending on the number of days attended. Full registration covers all three days of the event, and one-day registrations are also available. Members of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Sorghum Producers, National...

Nov 9, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Special Pricing Also Available on Tickets to Orlando Theme Parks   Attendees at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando can make their experience even more memorable by signing up for one or more of the fascinating, family-friendly tours available during the event. These optional tours provide the opportunity to discover more about the history, attractions, and culture of the Orlando area — and this year’s tour schedule is packed with local delights:   Learn how NASA supports agriculture from space to seeds on the NASA Agricultural Tour A Day at the Beach offers sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and the unique shops of New Smyrna Beach Enjoy an oyster tasting and the craft of oyster farming on the Indian River Oyster Company Paddle Tour  Your journey awaits at the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Florida’s gateway to space Look for manatees, cypress forests, and alligators on the Blue Spring State Park St. Johns River Cruise A tour to Beck Citrus Farm and Southern Hill Farm...

Oct 25, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Online registration and housing for the 2023 Commodity Classic will open on November 15, 2022. America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience will be held Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11 in Orlando.   To register, reserve hotel rooms, sign up for email updates, and register for optional tours in and around Orlando, visit CommodityClassic.com. A list of exhibiting companies, a map of the trade show floor, and the registration brochure can also be found online.   Early discounts on registration end January 20, 2023.   Commodity Classic features a robust schedule of over 30 educational sessions, a trade show with more than 330 exhibitors featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers, unique tours, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.   “Commodity Classic brings together a huge trade show with the best farmers, education, technology, and...

Oct 4, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

October 14, 2022 Deadline for What’s New, Mini What’s New Proposals   Sign up now to exhibit at America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience while space is available. There is still time for exhibitors to submit a proposal by October 14 to sponsor “What’s New” and “Mini What’s New” educational sessions.    Commodity Classic is excited to bring the agriculture industry together again in-person March 9-11, 2023, in Orlando for the annual showcase of ag technology, crop production science, marketing intelligence, and farm innovation.   “Commodity Classic is recognized as the premier trade show to connect with top producers, farmer leaders, and key ag media,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We’re happy that the 2023 location at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse offers more space for exhibitors, especially ag companies who might be new to the market,”    Additionally,...

Sep 20, 2022

Author: Kris Martinez

Exhibitor Applications Being Accepted for Nearly Sold-Out Trade Show   Plans for the 2023 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience returns to Orlando March 9-11, 2023. The theme for the 2023 show is “Preparing for the Next Generation.”   The preliminary schedule for the 2023 Commodity Classic can be found online at commodityclassic.com/2023-schedule-at-a-glance. The schedule highlights tentative dates and times for the dozens of educational sessions, presentations, special events, and trade show. Additional sessions continue to be added to the schedule as available.    “We’re excited for Commodity Classic to return to Orlando, which has historically been a very popular location for us,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We encourage everyone to check out the schedule to start planning their trip to Orlando.”   Fellow 2023 co-chair Kenny Hartman,...