New House Ag Committe Chair to headline SDCGA event

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) is pleased to announce that Congressman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., will deliver the keynote address at the 21st Annual Meeting of the SDCGA on Jan. 6, 2007 at the Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Rep. Peterson will be the new Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee when the 110th Congress convenes in January 2007.

“The farm bill will be the SDCGA’s top priority in the coming year so the timing of Rep. Peterson’s address could not be more fitting,” said Reid Jensen. “Rep. Peterson will lead the farm bill direction on the House side and we look forward to hearing his perspective on the most important piece of legislation for producers.”

Peterson, who grew up on a farm in Baker, Minn., has worked on the last three farm bills passed by Congress. He accepted an invitation to speak at the SDCGA Annual Meeting from Representative Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D. Peterson is expected to highlight the upcoming farm bill and his long-standing support of biofuels during his keynote address at the SDCGA’s evening banquet.

The SDCGA Annual Meeting has grown into one of the largest one-day agricultural events in South Dakota, drawing more than 1,200 producers, legislators and industry partners to day-long educational opportunities and an evening filled with fine dining and entertainment. This year will be no exception as an illustrious line up of speakers will provide opportunities for producers to learn from leading experts on the topics of farm family relationships, industry outlooks and biotechnology.

The evening banquet is themed the SDCGA’s “2007 Beach Party.” Featured entertainers at this year’s event are “The Surf City All Stars,” the best surfin’ beach party band around on a par with their friends, the Beach Boys. Each member has had a long career in surf and beach music. The audience is in for a treat as original Beach Boy member David Lee Marks leads “The Surf City All Stars” and several Beach Boy songs will be performed with authenticity.

“The SDCGA 21st Annual Meeting is designed to celebrate the successes of the South Dakota corn industry while recognizing the leaders who have made a difference in the SDCGA over the past years,” said Jensen.

For a full agenda of the day’s events, click here. Tickets for the Annual Meeting banquet are $25 for members of the SDCGA or $100 for non-members. The day-long educational seminars are at no cost and open to the public. Register by calling the SDCGA at 605-334-0100.