ST. LOUIS, Dec. 4, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- "Bounty on the Bay," the theme for the 11th annual Commodity Classic taking place March 1-3, 2007, in Tampa, Fla., promises to offer a "boatload of treasures" in the form of valuable educational sessions, cutting-edge technological demonstrations and important networking opportunities. The event will provide corn, soybean and wheat growers who attend with important information and tools to help increase their profitability on the farm.
Commodity Classic is the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). With the addition of NAWG to Commodity Classic this year, the nation's top three crops will be represented at the event. Corn, soybeans and wheat account for more than two-thirds of U.S. cropland.
"Commodity Classic brings together farmers from around the country with key decision-makers and experts in the agricultural industry, for three days of educational programs focused on hot topics such as marketing, trade, biofuels, the environment, transportation and the 2007 farm bill," said ASA President Rick Ostlie. "In addition, participants will have a chance to network with their fellow mateys, enjoy good grub and set sail to see the sights in sunny Florida."
"With hundreds of exhibitors, the wide-ranging trade show gives farmers a first-hand look at some of the latest products and services that can help to improve growers' bottom lines," said NCGA President Ken McCauley. "Producers can meet executives from machinery and seed companies, allowing them to fine tune their operation for the opportunities that lie ahead."
"Wheat growers from across the country are looking forward to their first Commodity Classic and the opportunity to come together with other growers who share the same goals for the future success of U.S. agriculture," said Dale Schuler, NAWG president.
Some of the highlights planned for the 2007 Commodity Classic are:
* The General Session, emceed by U.S. Farm Report host John Phipps, which will bring together Ostlie, McCauley and Schuler for a candid discussion of each organization's goals for the upcoming year and how producers can promote agriculture to the American public; * An address by Ron Young, a prisoner of war during Operation Iraqi Freedom, who will share his personal story of dedication, courage and inspiration; * Marketing, production and issues seminars; * Hundreds of trade show booths featuring the latest in equipment and inputs; and * Entertainment by country music star Collin Raye.
For more information or to register, visit www.commodityclassic.com.