Over 11,500 attendees, including more than 4,600 farmers, exhibitors, industry stakeholders, and ag media, gathered in Houston from February 28 to March 2 for the 2024 Commodity Classic.
Kentucky corn growers were in attendance at this year’s event, which featured more than 30 educational sessions, two sold-out trade show floors with over 435 exhibitors, a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, and policy meetings of the sponsoring commodity associations.
Corn Congress
Kentucky corn farmers, Josh Lancaster (Webster Co.), Micah Lester (Christian Co.) and Scott Ebelhar (Nelson Co.) represented the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA) at the NCGA Corn Congress delegate sessions at the Commodity Classic. The delegates ratified a new strategic plan focusing on increasing corn demand while ensuring profitability and operational freedom through strong farm safety net programs.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Delegates reaffirmed their support for using the GREET model, which provides an accurate and fair calculation of corn’s environmental profile. With the Inflation Reduction Act calling for a $1.25 allocation per gallon of sustainable aviation fuel, with a requirement of at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for eligibility, NCGA has called on the Biden administration and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use the GREET model. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that Treasury will decide on this matter in the coming weeks.
EPA Announces Ag Affairs Office
During the General Session of the Commodity Classic, EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the creation of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, a program that will address issues important to farmers. Leading this office will be Rod Snyder, a former lobbyist for NCGA. This announcement is met with enthusiasm by KYCGA and NCGA, expressing appreciation for the agency’s commitment to ensuring farmers’ voices and concerns are heard.