Annual Conference just over a month away

Mark your calendars for the upcoming South Dakota Corn Growers annual conference. After being postponed as a result of a major snowstorm in January 2020 and canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the event will take place in just over a month on January 16, 2021 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

SDCGA President Doug Noem said the annual event is well-attended and well-received year after year.

“Our conference is always a great opportunity to catch up on important issues and collect information that will help with farmers’ plans and preparations. This year is no exception,” Noem said. “Not many events bring together such a strong and diverse group of experts.”

Registration for the educational seminars is free and masks will be required to attend the conference.

In order to follow social distancing protocols, we are asking attendees to RSVP in advance to reserve a spot at the event. There will also be an online, video stream version of the conference so those who can’t attend in person can still attend virtually.

The conference will feature a similar lineup of speakers as the original event. Educational presentations include grain and agriculture marketing presentations, a weather marketing presentation, ethanol forecasts and a panel discussion regarding water.

The in-person event will conclude with an evening banquet and presentation from Paul Mobley, photographer and author of American Farmer.

Much like years past there will also be a silent auction. However, it will be virtual, and both in-person and virtual attendees will be able to bid on a wide array of items you won’t want to miss.

David and Matthew Kruse

Starting at 9:40 a.m., David and Matthew Kruse of Commstock Investments will give a presentation covering the ever-changing agriculture markets and what this means for farmers and ranchers across South Dakota.

David is chairman and co-owner of Commstock Investments, his northwest Iowa agricultural risk management company that provides an umbrella of services. In the past 30+ years he has produced the Commstock report, an opinionated ag commentary and market analysis available daily on many radio stations across the Midwest.

David’s son, Matthew, is the president of Commstock investments and works with the organization to define growth strategies and create new sources of revenue. Since 2002, he has been working in agriculture asset management and owns Genesis Investimentos, a company that advises American investors in farmland ventures in Brazil.

Matthew Kruse said he and his father will present a variety of topics, some of which include the overall agriculture market, especially as it relates to COVID-19.

“Coronavirus will last a while,” he said. “It’s in flux but I’m hoping by the end of 2021 we will see ag markets redevelop into a new normal.”

Kruse also said he and his father will discuss agriculture topics relating to Brazil and how it can be a good indicator for the upcoming growing season.

“Because of their growing seasons compared to ours in the year, Brazil can be a good indication of how we will do in the U.S. for the year.” Kruse said. “It’s important to know what’s going on in agriculture across the world, as it helps farmers and ranchers create plans for crops and livestock.”

Other topics the pair plan to discuss include how the pandemic has affected the food supply chain, especially regarding hog production plants and what the political climate may mean for farmers within the next several years.

Overall, Kruse said, “We want to help farmers become better marketers and increase their profitability all while managing risk.”

Space is limited for the in-person event, so be sure to call the office today at (605) 334-0100 or visit https://www.sdcorn.org/events/sd-corn-annual-conference-save-the-date to reserve your spot at the conference!

Thank you to our 2021 Diamond Sponsors: