SDCGA to host Annual Meeting Jan. 10, 2009

Top leaders in the agricultural industry will converge together on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009 for the South Dakota Corn Growers Association’s (SDCGA) 23rd Annual Meeting. The event will be held at the Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel.

Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) will deliver the keynote address at the event which has grown into one of the largest one-day agricultural events in South Dakota.

More than 1,200 producers, legislators and industry partners will participate throughout the day in educational opportunities and an evening filled with fine dining and entertainment. An illustrious line up of speakers will provide opportunities for producers to learn from leading experts on the topics of marketing, future trends and biotechnology.

John Roach of Roach Ag Marketing will kick off the day’s events at 9 a.m. with his presentation “How to Sell Overheated Markets.” His market outlook will be followed by a Biotechnology Panel featuring thought leaders from Pioneer, Monsanto and Syngenta, who will offer insights into what is coming down the pike in trait technology.

At mid-point of the day the SDCGA is proud to welcome South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds as the luncheon speaker. Corn Yield Contest participants will also be recognized during the noontime event.

Then participants will spend the afternoon getting a glimpse of the future with Ed Barlow, a futurist who explains “The Future and Success of Agriculture: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination”.

As with any Annual Meeting, an important time for SDCGA members will occur with the Resolution Meeting at 3:45 p.m. as members help set the policy and priorities for the organization over the next year.

Then that evening, at the SDCGA’s banquet themed “Corncino 2009” the SDCGA will bring in a national leader in agriculture. As producers prepare for the implementation of a new farm bill in 2009, Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union will share his national perspective on the farm bill, food and fuel debate, and the opportunities which lie ahead in the industry.

Following Buis’ speech and a presentations by South Dakota’s Congressional delegation in attendance that evening, the audience is in for a special entertainment treat when Dean Torrence of the legendary duo Jan and Dean takes center stage along with the Surf City AllStars to thrill the crowd with their timeless hits including “Surf City”, “Drag City”, “Fun, Fun, Fun” and more!

“The SDCGA 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 Bill Chase, president of the SDCGA.

For a full agenda of the day’s events, go to www.sdcorn.org. Tickets for the Annual Meeting banquet are $50 for members of the SDCGA or $125 for non-members. The day-long educational seminars are at no cost and open to the public; the lunch program is $10 per person. Register by calling the SDCGA at 605-334-0100.