ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 2, 2023 — The National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 52nd annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show (CEC) takes place in Louisville, Ky., from Dec. 3-5 at the Omni Louisville Hotel, featuring experts on artificial intelligence, agricultural policy, U.S. transportation, the economy and more.
“NGFA committee members and staff have organized a full, timely program for the grain handling industry with ample opportunity to meet and make connections at CEC 2023,” said NGFA Country Elevator Committee Chairman Paul Katovich, CEO at HighLine Grain Growers Inc. “This year’s CEC sessions are focused on several issues having a real impact on agribusiness operations for NGFA members. In addition to exploring artificial intelligence, Washington politics, the upcoming El Niño and federal weather reports, the 2024 economic outlook, and the state of U.S. transportation in our general sessions, several expert panelists will host breakout discussions on labor issues, insurance and soy oil demand. We are also looking forward to ending on an inspirational note with former American Gladiator, Dan ‘Nitro’ Clark.”
CEC attracts hundreds of grain merchants, elevator operators, feed manufacturers, processors, and grain industry suppliers each year for networking, education and the supplier trade show.
Review the full agenda and speaker list at ngfa.org/cec. Confirmed sessions include:
Dec. 4
– “2024 Ag Economy Outlook” with Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company.
– “DC Policy Update” with Sara Wyant, president of Agri-Pulse Communications Inc.
– “New and Notable Issues for Ag Transportation in 2024” with Ken Eriksen, independent transportation consultant.
– “Help Wanted: Foreign Ag Labor Solutions” with Kristi Boswell, agricultural policy lawyer at Alston & Bird.
– “The Thirst for Soyoil: Emerging Market Opportunities for 2024” with Nate Burk, senior vice president of fats, oils, and greases at FCStone Merchant Services.
– “Addressing the Challenges in Obtaining Insurance” with Kody Kirkendall, vice president of marketing at Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC; Terry Lively, employer services safety and compliance manager at Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC; Patrick McBride, assistant vice president of underwriting at Berkley Agribusiness; Scott Spengler, assistant vice president of risk services at Berkley Agribusiness; and Kendall Woodward, vice president and agribusiness practice leader for risk services at Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC.
Dec. 5
– “El Nino and Beyond: Leveraging USDA Weather Reports to Optimize Your Business” with Mark Brusberg, chief meteorologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
– “Is it Scary or a Saving Grace? Generative AI and Real Talk on How it Could Impact Agriculture and Agribusinesses” with Jake Joraanstad, CEO & co-founder of Bushel.
– The Power of Resilience with Dan “Nitro” Clark.
To register as a member of the press, contact sgonzalez@ngfa.org.
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The NGFA, established in 1896, consists of grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate more than 8,000 facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds. Its membership includes grain elevators; feed and feed ingredient manufacturers; biofuels companies; grain and oilseed processors and millers; exporters; livestock and poultry integrators; and associated firms that provide goods and services to the nation’s grain, feed and processing industry. The NGFA consists of 27 affiliated State and Regional Grain and Feed Associations, is co-located and has a strategic alliance with North American Export Grain Association, and a strategic alliance with Pet Food Institute.