Grainnet

The North Dakota Grain Dealers Association will hold its 97th Annual Convention & Industry Show at the Fargo Holiday Inn January 18-20, 2009.

Approximately 950 people are expected for the event, consisting of grain elevator managers, farmers, grain industry personnel, and spouses.

The meeting includes educational sessions, business meetings, and a trade show of 81 companies providing products and services to the grain industry.

Volatility in the commodities markets has challenged dealers and farmers over the past year.

Convention program segments address dealing with it.

Preston Kranz & Milt Lund from CoBank, Ami Heesch from Country Hedging, and a representative from BQ Commodities will discuss Managing Financing and Commodity Market Volatility.

Attorney David Barrett will speak about using Master Trade Agreement in purchasing grain.

Consolidation in the seed industry is an issue of importance to seedsmen and farmers.

Leland “Judge” Barth from Dakota Pride Cooperative in Jamestown, ND and a representative from Monsanto Co. will address the topic at convention.

Back for a 3rd consecutive convention to talk about ethanol will be Dr. David Swenson of Iowa State University.

Growth of that industry has slowed in the past couple years.

One large producer is in bankruptcy.

Swenson will speak about Ethanol Fortunes, Misfortunes and the Future.

A number of other speakers and entertainment groups will perform at the convention

Chair couple for this year’s convention is Kim and Sandy Alberty of West Fargo, ND.

Kim operates Agassiz Seed & Supply in West Fargo.

The Association is governed by a 9-man Board of elevator managers from around the state.

Current Association officers, directors, and staff are:

Clyde Krebs, Glen Ullin, President

Dan DeRouchey, Berthold, 1st Vice President

Paul Lautenschlager, Beach, 2nd Vice President

Tony Johannesen, Edgeley, Director

Todd Vogel, Marion, Director

Pete Peterson, Dahlen, Director

Roger Wagner, Grafton, Director

David Fiebiger, Finely, Director

Cameron Erickson, Russell, Director

Steve Strege, Fargo, Executive Vice President

Cheryal Welle, Fargo, Executive Assistant

Stu Letcher, Hatton, Safety & Health Director

Hal Grieve, Buffalo, Safety Specialist

Sue Benson, Fargo, Office Assistant

For more information, call 701-235-4184.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• North Dakota Grain Dealers Assn.

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