MGGA Plans Annual Convention & Trade Show

Great Falls – The Montana Grain Growers Association Convention and Trade Show, scheduled for December 1-3, 2015, at the Best Western Heritage Inn, Great Falls, will celebrate MGGA’s 60th year.

Nearly 900 attended last year and this year’s expanded trade show will feature over 75 exhibitors, marking the event as one of the largest agricultural gatherings in the state.

“All three days are packed with information tailored for grain producers,” according to Convention Chairman Rob Davis of Larslan. “It’s a great time to network with growers from across the state, learn about the latest technology and hear from some of the nation’s top ag experts.”

This year’s convention begins with an agronomic workshop titled ‘Micronutrients: The Key to Better Yields in Montana Soils.’ An impressive slate of soil scientists, crop agronomists and certified crop advisors from both the collegiate and industry levels will show producers how fertility and micronutrients can work synergistically to maximize their operation’s crop potential.

Wednesday and Thursday events continue with topics including the influence of world markets, farm employer issues, grain marketing strategies, new crop insurance options, advancements in seed technology, effective ag advocacy and public perception of today’s agriculture, tax reform, the important MGGA policy setting process and a special event highlighting producer-funded MSU research projects.
 

2015 Speaker Highlights:

• Chuck Gatzemeier, CG Ag Consulting, leads Tuesday’s micronutrient workshop, with presentations from Dr. Clain Jones, MSU; Dr. Terry Tindall, Simplot; David Vance, Verdesian Life Science; and Dr. Rigas Karamanos, Koch Agronomic.
• Vince Peterson, Vice President of Overseas Operations for U.S. Wheat Associates will discuss world wheat markets.
• Manuel Fick and Sanna Marie Grobler, USA Farm Labor, will talk about the latest H-2A regulations and employer issues with hiring out-of-country workers.
• Mark Gold, President and CEO of Top Third Marketing, will educate attendees on how to become better marketers by tracking basis, using options and developing an up-to-the-minute marketing plan each attendee can use with a local broker or elevator.
• Dave Paul, national director of MPCI at Watts and Associates, will offer an overview of the new Malt Barley Endorsement and Margin Protection crop insurance products.
• MSU ag researchers will show producers how checkoff dollars have funded their ability to find solutions to some of Montana crops’ most pressing problems.
• Frank Curtis, CEO of Limagrain Cereal Seeds, will talk on the “Future of the Wheat Industry.
• Dr. Mary Burrows, MSU Plant Pathologist, will discuss the 2015 crop season and what to expect for crop diseases in 2016.
• Shauna Farver, Wheat Advocate for the National Wheat Foundation and the host of “Living the MonDak” radio show, will share her experience on how to get the real farm message out to the general public.
• Jack Bobo, Intrexon Corporation SVP Chief Communications Officer and former US Department of State Senior Advisor for Global Food Policy, will examine global trends in food and agriculture, the interplay between food safety and public perception of risk and the key role of risk communication in addressing public perceptions.
• Paul Neiffer, ag business CPA and business advisor with Clifton, Larson, Allen, will discuss new tax measures and how tax reform for large international companies will affect Montana producers.
• Charlie Cahill, northeast Montana farmer and owner of Cahill Seeds in Scobey, will explain why the demand for certified seed has continued to grow and what to consider when deciding whether to plant bin-run or certified seed.

If you’re a grain producer, this is the annual event you don’t want to miss! For more information or to register, visit www.mgga.org or call 406-761-4596.