Nations top ag official to keynote SDCGA Annual Meeting

On the heels of a historic Energy Bill being signed into law and the farm bill continuing to make progress through Congress, the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) is exited to announce the acting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will deliver the keynote address at the SDCGA’s Annual Meeting banquet on Jan. 5, 2008 at the Ramkota Hotel. Sec. Chuck Connor’s commitment to speak at this top agriculture event further demonstrates South Dakota’s reputation for ag production and energy leaders in the nation.

“Sec. Connor’s presence in the state could not be better timed as we are celebrating the passage of a powerful Energy Bill package that contains a 15 billion gallon carve out for corn-based ethanol,” said Reid Jensen, president of the SDCGA. “We are honored to welcome Sec. Connor to our Annual Meeting and his perspective on the industry and what opportunities are in the upcoming farm bill for South Dakota producers will be invaluable.”

Connor was sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in May of 2005. He was named to the Acting Secretary of Agriculture position when Mike Johanns stepped down to pursue a Senate seat.

Conner’s love for agriculture goes back to his childhood, growing up on his family’s farm in Benton County, Indiana. There, he worked with his father and brother raising corn, soybeans, and cattle. Since coming to the Department, Conner has worked tirelessly to develop and promote the Administration’s farm policy.

More than 1,200 ag producers, legislative leaders and allied industry will be present on the evening of Jan. 5 when Connor comes to South Dakota to talk about the future of our nation’s agricultural industry. Now that an Energy Bill has been cinched for South Dakota producers, the SDCGA will focus its national political energy and strength on securing a strong farm bill for producers.

“The farm bill is a vital component of agriculture and how the next farm bill is drafted will impact every South Dakota producer. With Connor’s keen insight into this industry and the farm bill, we are proud to showcase his knowledge and vision for the future at the SDCGA Annual Meeting,” said Jensen.