NGFA’s 51st Annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show ... Dec. 6-8 ... St. Louis, MO

The National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 51st annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show (CEC) takes place in St. Louis, MO from Dec. 6-8 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, featuring experts on rail service, labor issues, sustainability in the agricultural value chain, the global grain markets, the agricultural economic outlook and more.

“We are looking forward to this year’s CEC program, which includes several in-depth discussions on priority issues facing the agricultural industry in 2023,” said NGFA Country Elevator Committee Chairman Paul Katovich, CEO at HighLine Grain Growers Inc.

“As always, NGFA’s Country Elevator Committee and staff have organized this event to feature timely and actionable information that can make a difference in grain business operations and bottom lines. CEC is a great opportunity for grain and feed industry colleagues to connect, view the latest innovations in the trade show, and find new opportunities.”

Confirmed sessions include:

Dec. 7

• “2023 Ag Economy Outlook” with Dr. Seth Meyer, chief economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• “The Elevator’s Cut, Live from CEC” with Roger Gattis, grain merchandising specialist at White Commercial Corporation and host of The Elevator’s Cut; Jason Wheeler, grain merchandising specialist at White Commercial Corporation and host of The Elevator’s Cut; and Jeff Reardon, CFO at White Commercial Corporation.

• “Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service” with Rick Patterson, managing director at Loop Capital Markets.

• “CHS’ ‘Lights Out,’ Automation for After Hours Delivery” with Jim Gales, owner of Gales Design and Consulting, LLC.

• “Sustainability: Transforming the Food & Ag Value Chain” with Megan Rock, vice president, sustainability and innovation, at CHS Inc.; and Michelle French, director, global sustainability programs, at ADM.

• “Class I Rail Panel” with Zac Roskilly, director, wheat and products, at BNSF Railway; Jon Harman, managing director of marketing and sales at Canadian Pacific Railway; James Wilson, director of marketing at Norfolk Southern Corporation; and Ryan Raess, general director – grain, at Union Pacific Railroad.

Dec. 8

• “Global Grain Markets in 2023” with Dr. William W. Wilson, distinguished professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University.

• “Best Practices in Cybersecurity Insurance” with Peter Marta, partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP; Christopher Boylan, senior underwriter - Midwest region, professional and cyber liability, at Zurich North America; and Tyler Klein, cyber practice leader at Lockton Companies.

• “Best Practices in Employee Benefits and Compensation” with Rachael Powell, human resources and compensation solutions manager at AgCareers.

Each day of the conference also offers hours of trade show activity and networking opportunities. The event takes place in the St. Louis Union Station, a National Historic Landmark that includes access to the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel.

To register as press, contact sgonzalez@ngfa.org.