Michigan Corn reps tapped to serve on USGC advisory teams

LANSING, Mich. — Several representatives from the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) and the Michigan Corn Growers Assoc. (MCGA) were recently selected to serve on Advisory Teams for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).

“Having a strong presence on these teams allows us to be deeply involved in setting priorities at the national level and ensures that Michigan farmers are heard,” said Jim Zook, executive director of CMPM and MCGA. “The work the U.S. Grains Council does for corn, ethanol and distillers grain is vital to the economic sustainability of our farmers.

“We are committed to growing these markets and a big part of investing in our partner organizations that work to expand existing markets and open new international markets to U.S. corn.”

The following were selected for two-year terms:

•Ed Breitmeyer (Buckley), Value Added Programs A-Team

•Richard Dobbins (Concord), Western Hemisphere A-Team

•Janna Fritz (Bad Axe), Middle East/Africa A-Team

•Angel Jenio (Lansing), Trade Policy A-Team

Each advisory team is made up of grain producers, staff and agribusiness representatives who work together to identify opportunities, set priorities and chart the course for the USGC every year. Each of the seven A-Teams has a specific focus: Asia, Innovation & Sustainability, Ethanol, Middle East/Africa, Trade Policy, Value-Added Programs and Western Hemisphere.

Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org

Indiana Corn election absentee ballots available now

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) election takes place Aug. 13-17, at Purdue Cooperative Extension Service offices across the state. Absentee voting is open through August 10. Five Indiana corn farmers are running for ICMC’s board of directors.

The state is divided into nine districts with one director representing each as well as six at-large seats representing the entire state of Indiana. This year’s ICMC election will take place in Districts 2, 5 and 8. The election will also include two at-large seats.

While the elections are uncontested, each candidate requires at least one vote to become elected to the board:

•District 2: Christian Rosen, Wabash County

•District 5: Mike Beard, Clinton County

•District 8: Luke Schnitker, Jackson County

•At-Large: Sarah Delbecq, DeKalb County

•At-Large: Kelly Whiteman Snipes, Fulton County

If you cannot visit your county extension office, you may request an absentee ballot by calling 317-614-0118. Alternatively, you may contact your county extension offices until August 8 to obtain an absentee ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by August 10.

For more information, visit www.incorn.org/elections or call Hannah Vorsilak at 317-644-2791.

USDA announces National Pork Board director appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of six members to serve on the National Pork Board (NPB). Five appointees will serve three-year terms and one will serve the remaining two-year portion of a vacant position.

The appointed members are: Gary Asay, Oscon, Ill.; Rich Deaton, New Madison, Ohio; Pat FitzSimmons, Dassel, Minn.; David Newman, Myrtle, Mo.; Bill Tentinger, Le Mars, Iowa; and Todd Erickson, Northwood, N.D. (two-year term).

The NPB is composed of 15 producers who are nominated by the National Pork Producers Delegate Body, which is made up of 160 producer and importer members.

Eight elected to serve on Indiana Soybean Alliance board

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Eight Indiana soybean growers have been elected in an uncontested race for next year’s Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) farmer board. The ISA farmer board manages checkoff investments and allocates funds to grow soybean markets and conduct research that strengthens Indiana’s soybean industry.

Because this year’s election in all four districts is uncontested, growers will not receive ballots for voting. In December 2018, the following eight soybean farmers will continue or begin their terms on the board:

•Kendell Culp and David Rodibaugh, both of Rensselaer, will begin their third terms representing District 1

•Carey McKibben of LaGrange and Larry Wilkinson of Kimmell will both begin their first terms on the ISA board representing District 2

•Kevin Cox of Brazil will begin his first term and Gary McDaniel of Boonville will continue his term representing District 3

•Roger Bommer of Brookville and Keevin Lemenager of Monrovia will both start their second terms representing District 4

Commodity Classic releases 2019 schedule of events

ORLANDO, Fla. — Commodity Classic has released its tentative schedule for the 2019 show slated for Feb. 28-March 2 in Orlando. Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused educational and agricultural experience.

The 2019 schedule includes extended trade show hours, allowing attendees to spend even more time with the wide array of exhibitors on the huge trade show floor. A full slate of educational sessions will provide information on a wide range of critical topics important to America’s farmers.  The Main Stage on the trade show floor returns in 2019 and will offer a full slate of outstanding presentations from agribusiness leaders, well-known ag personalities and other speakers.

The popular General Session, which typically features an inspirational speaker and commodity association leaders, is scheduled for that Friday morning. Other scheduled events include What’s New and Mini What’s New sessions, which feature emerging services and technologies, and awards banquets and policy development sessions for the sponsoring commodity associations.

Commodity Classic also offers plenty of opportunities to network with thousands of fellow farmers from across the nation and around the world. The 2019 Commodity Classic will conclude on Saturday night with the Evening of Entertainment, which traditionally features a nationally known performer.

A detailed outline of educational sessions, speakers and events for 2019 will be available this fall. To view the 2019 schedule and stay updated on the latest information, visit CommodityClassic.com and sign up for email updates.