My adventure to the 2007 Commodity Classic has finally begun! I have made the journey from the freezing cold, flat ground of central Illinois to the warm, green, palm tree covered city of Tampa. My travels went well, with the exception of getting struck by lightning shortly after taking off from Bloomington (that gave me a bit of a scare).Now that I have arrived, I can finally answer the question that some of my readers, as well as myself have been asking. What is the Commodity Classic? According to a veteran of the Classic, Mr. Willie Vogt, the Corporate Editorial Director for Farm Progress Companies (the largest Ag publication in the United States), "The Commodity Classic is a unique meeting of leaders, including ASA, NCGA, and NAWG. The Classic is an opportunity for these leaders to interface with leading farmers who are big in their states, understand the issues, and are trying their darnedest to keep this industry viable."
The Trade Show opens at 3pm, and I am looking forward to visiting the various booths, and meeting several of the key players in our industry. Willie Vogt promotes the value of trade shows in educating farmers about modern technology in our industry. Mr Vogt says, "Don't come and look for the yard sticks, visit the show. There is the hardware of the business: Ag Co, Deere, New Holland, Case; and there is the software of the business: Mosanto, Syngynta, Bayer, Pioneer; and you need to understand both sides of the business and what the changes are." With almost 5000 Agricultural professionals and exceptional farmers from around the United States, the Commodity Classic has taken Tampa by storm, and I am thrilled to be in the middle of it! As I continue to meet new people and experience more of the show and this beautiful city I will keep you posted. If any of my readers have questions about the Classic, feel free to make a comment and I will do my best to bring the show to you.
5 comments:
You look so professional doing that interview! Will there be any keynote speakers at the Classic? What are you most looking forward to the rest of this week?
I would be interested to know what types of companies have information being displayed at the trade show? Is it just the three you name or are there more? Also, how many actual farmers attend, and are they mostly from the south east or do farmers travel to the classic from all over the country?
I would be interested to know what types of companies have information being displayed at the trade show? Is it just the three you name or are there more? Also, how many actual farmers attend, and are they mostly from the south east or do farmers travel to the classic from all over the country?
At this year's Commodity Classic there are more than 190 agribusinesses and 680 booths, providing the opportunity for farmers and other visitors to learn about cutting-edge products, services and technology. In addition to the exhibitors, there is a record attendance of more than 4000 growers and their families along with industry representatives. Throughout my busy day here, I have met farmers from Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, the Dakotas, New York and more. I have seen several states represented, but the majority of attendees are from the major agriculture states in the midwest.
The general session here at the Commodity Classic will include a keynote speaker. The speaker is Susan Schwab the U.S. Trade Representative. This will give the presidents of the ASA, NCGA, and NAWG an opportunity to discuss the state of agriculture and outline association goals for the year. The rest of the week, I am definitely looking forward to more interviews. Tyne Morgan has taught me how to use Brownfield's audio equipment, and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the farmers and industry representatives. I am also looking forward to some free time on Saturday to explore the beautiful city of Tampa with Tyne!
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