Nebraska farmers were well represented at Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas the week of Feb. 26. Corn farmers from across Nebraska served as delegates for the Corn Congress sessions during the event from both the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA). Nationwide there were 126 delegates representing the corn industry. Nebraska is also represented on the National Corn Board by two Nebraskans.
Commodity Classic and Corn Congress allows corn-producing states to meet to debate proposed resolutions that may then be accepted into the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Policy and Position Papers. During the two Corn Congress sessions, topics that passed included a proposal by Nebraska Corn regarding retail central bank digital currency, supported pathways that provide monetary value for growers supplying lower carbon feedstocks and opposed electric vehicle mandates.
In addition to Corn Congress sessions, Nebraska corn farmers interviewed with state and national media on topics including policy and planting predictions. Learning sessions were also available for attendees and Commodity Classic attendees heard from USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack, Under Secretary, Robert Bonnie and EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
“Commodity Classic is one time per year that farmers from across the nation are all together to meet to discuss potential resolution changes and important issues for the betterment of the industry, “said Jay Reiners, chairman of NCB. “This year, Brandon Hunnicutt, a farmer from Giltner and vice chair of NCB who served as the Commodity Classic co-chair, a position which has required years of hard work for a seamless event. We thank him for his passion and energy to make this event a success.”
The 2024 Commodity Classic was a record-breaking year with 11,537 attendees, 4,609 farmer attendees, 436 companies and 3,321 exhibitor booths.
“Nebraska Corn continues to be a leader in the industry, with the goal of ensuring the future has a reliable and distinct path for success,” said Chris Grams, NeCGA president. “This week, we connected with agribusinesses regarding some of the newest technology and innovation, held meetings with state and national partners on key issues and ensured farmer voices were heard federally on key issues that may arise in 2024.”
The 2025 Commodity Classic will be held in Denver, Colorado from Mar. 2 – 4, 2025.