Each year thousands of farmers and industry representatives gather for America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience – Commodity Classic. However, like many other events in the past year, Commodity Classic will look very different in 2021.

Commodity Classic announced it will transition its annual conference and trade show, originally scheduled for March 4-6, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas, to an alternative digital format. The change was necessary due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we always appreciate the opportunity to see our growers and friends in person,” National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said, “the health and safety of all attendees, our board, members and our staff is critical. While it will not replace the value and camaraderie experienced together, we look forward to this new virtual opportunity and will work to make it as interactive and valuable for producers as possible.”

The 2021 Commodity Classic digital event will take place March 2-5, 2021. The event will not include a virtual trade show floor or exhibitor listing, but the emphasis on education and connection will continue in the new virtual format. According to Commodity Classic, they remain focused on finding innovative ways to connect event sponsors and farmers through powerful education and information showcasing the latest technology, management practices and innovations in agriculture.

For additional information on the 2021 Commodity Classic digital experience, visit CommodityClassic.com or sign up for email updates on the Classic website.

Sorghum PAC Event

NSP’s Sorghum PAC underscores sorghum’s relevance and connection in Washington, D.C. by allowing NSP to support political candidates who are focused on agriculture and connected to the industry. Typically, a Casino Night at Commodity Classic is the PAC’s largest annual fundraiser, but this year things will be a little bit different. Throughout the year, the Sorghum PAC will host several events including interactive online auctions and a golf tournament. These new fundraisers will offer opportunities for NSP Industry Partners to connect with growers and leadership while farmers continue to support the critical work that the PAC carries out throughout the year in Washington, D.C.

“It is disappointing that we will not be able to host our Sorghum PAC Casino Night in person,” NSP Industry Relations Director Jamaca Battin said, “but we are excited about new and different opportunities for ways to give and for continued connection with our growers and industry partners in 2021.”

NSP will host interactive online auctions at the beginning of March. Participants can expect to see many of the same quality, classic Sorghum PAC Auction items such as the CASE tractor lease on Big Iron, and new items like select firearms, jewelry and more. The auction platform will be released early in 2021.

In addition to the online auction, NSP will host a golf tournament in April 2021 in Wellington, Kansas. NSP members, guests and Industry Partners will have the opportunity for healthy, fun, distanced, connection and competition at this new Sorghum PAC event.

For questions regarding any Sorghum PAC events in 2021, contact Jamaca Battin at jamaca@sorghumgrowers.com and watch for updates online at SorghumGrowers.com/sorghum-pac.

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This story originally appeared in the Winter 2021 Issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.