by | Mar 28, 2024

Recap from the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston

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.

Scott Ebelhar
Micah Lester

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.

What we do.

Kentucky Corn strives to create a future for Kentucky corn farmers where they can operate successfully, grow demand and foster an understanding of corn farmers and the industry.

Become a member.

For us, grassroots means that corn farmer members are the organization. Our organization is governed by a board of directors of volunteer farmers who are elected by farmer members. Kentucky Corn Growers Association’s ability to influence policy decisions depends entirely on the strength of its membership.

By being a member, you make the Kentucky Corn Growers Association a stronger advocacy group.