| 2023 Ag Economy Outlook Dr. Seth Meyer, Chief Economist, United States Department of Agriculture Dr. Seth Meyer, USDA’s Chief Economist, will open the conference with a presentation on the likely economic challenges and opportunities for the agriculture industry in 2023. Opening General Session |
Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service
Rick Paterson, Managing Director, Loop Capital Markets
Rick Paterson covers the transportation sector, including the Class I railroads, for Loop Capital Markets, and is the author of its weekly “State of the Rails” service report. During this session Rick will give an encore presentation of his testimony from the STB’s April 2022 hearing on “Urgent Issues in Rail Service,” including updated analyses of the situation.
Opening General Session
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The Elevator’s Cut, Live from CEC
Roger Gattis, Grain Merchandising Specialist, White Commercial Corporation and Host, The Elevator’s Cut
Jason Wheeler, Grain Merchandising Specialist, White Commercial Corporation and Host, The Elevator’s Cut
The Elevator’s Cut is the grain merchandisers podcast where Roger and Jason capture the big topics and challenges of the grain industry with humor, pragmatism, and simplicity. With a few decades of combined experience in the basis trading, brokerage, and farm marketing spheres, they use their experiences and knowledge of their area of the grain business to shed some light on what they can, and debunk some myths and exaggerations that exist in the grain industry. Attend a live taping of the podcast during CEC!
Opening General Session
Automation for After Hours Delivery
Jim Gales, PMP, Gales Design and Consulting, LLC
This session will tell the story of a “Manless Rail Terminal” including how and why the project was started and where it is now. This presentation will examine the potential for the industry to implement automation on a larger scale to compensate for ag labor shortages.
Breakout Sessions Rounds 1 & 2
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Sustainability: Transforming the Food & Ag Value Chain
Megan Rock, Vice President, Sustainability and Innovation, CHS Inc.
Michelle French, Director, Global Sustainability Programs, ADM
During this session, our speakers will guide participants through a discussion on how sustainability continues to evolve in the food and ag value chain, dive into the specific terminology, explore current and forthcoming initiatives, as well as the potential regulatory implications. Designed with grain elevators in mind, this presentation will cover what you should be doing today and what you should plan to do tomorrow.
Breakout Sessions Rounds 1 & 2
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Class I Rail Panel
Jon Harman, Managing Director Marketing & Sales, Canadian Pacific Railway
Ryan Raess, General Director – Grain, Union Pacific Railroad
Zac Roskilly, Director, Wheat and Products, BNSF Railway
James Wilson, Director of Marketing, Norfolk Southern Corporation
The year 2022 was a challenging one for parts of the freight rail system and its stakeholders, as NGFA members know all too well. As 2022 draws to a close, join representatives from four Class I railroads for a small-group conversation about what led to the situation this past year and what shippers can expect in 2023.
Breakout Sessions Rounds 1 & 2
Russian Invasion and Impacts on Ukraine and Commodity Trading
Dr. William W. Wilson, CHS Chair in Risk Management and Trading, University Distinguished Professor, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University
International trade is a cornerstone of U.S. agriculture, but today’s global grain markets are anything but stable. Dr. William W. Wilson, CHS Chair in Risk Management and Trading at North Dakota State University, will examine the geopolitical factors influencing current global grain markets – focusing heavily on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine – and provide insight as to how US grain merchants should approach 2023 as result.
Closing General Session
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Best Practices in Cybersecurity Insurance
Christopher Boylan, Senior Underwriter – Midwest Region, Professional & Cyber Liability, Zurich North America
Tyler Klein, Lockton Companies
Peter Marta, Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
Obtaining cybersecurity insurance is one thing organizations can do to boost their overall cybersecurity. But what should you look for in a policy? What does the insurance cover? When can you file a claim? A panel of insurance professionals will explain how to obtain the best policy for your organization and how to use it effectively.
Closing General Session
Best Practices in Employee Hiring and Retention
Rachael Powell, HR & Compensation Solutions Manager, AgCareers
By request, this session will address best practices in hiring and retention, including a focus on the outdoor labor-based positions that are becoming difficult to fill. Rachael Powell of AgCareers will explain how a combination of strategies – including, but not limited to, benefits and compensation – can position you to attract the candidates you need.
Closing General Session
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