The 2016 Commodity Classic, hosted by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), American Soybean Association (ASA), National Sorghum Producers (NSP), and American Equipment Manufacturers, (AEM) was held last week in New Orleans, La. The annual convention brought growers and industry members from across the nation together to discuss critical issues in agricultural policy and to plan for the year ahead.
“Commodity Classic affords an opportunity for growers from across the country and from multiple commodities to come together,” said newly elected NAWG President Gordon Stoner, wheat grower from Outlook, Mont. “We had spirited discussions, shared the many perspectives from the various organizations and found common ground. Now, it’s time to move our industry forward.”

NAWG held committee meetings where members discussed key issues including trade legislation, environmental issues and biotechnology. Both NAWG and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) had board meetings where new officers were installed. As previously reported on, Gordon Stoner became the new NAWG president, and Ben Scholz from Lavon, Tex., became the new secretary. NWF Chair Dusty Tallman passed the torch to Vice Chair Phil McLain from Statesville, N.C.

In addition to the meetings, growers took advantage of the convention and trade show. There were educational sessions, equipment demonstrations, and the NAWG/NWF booth was an excellent outreach opportunity for the association.

Total attendance for the convention was 9,770, compared to 7,936 in 2015. Another record set was in the number of growers attending, at 4,596. Additionally, the trade show featured an all-time high of 433 participating companies, including 128 first-time exhibitors. These exhibitors filled a record 253,300 net square feet of booth space, 49 percent more space 2015’s trade show in Phoenix. The 22nd annual Commodity Classic will take place March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas.