2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim Attracts 8000+
Enthusiastic Crowd Includes Record Number of First-Time Attendees
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (March 8, 2018)—More than 8,000 farmers, agriculture leaders and ag advocates converged on the Anaheim Convention Center to “GROW BEYOND!” as the 2018 Commodity Classic took place Feb. 27-Mar.1 in California. Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show.
Included in the preliminary number of 8,055 registered in Anaheim were a record number of non-exhibitor first-time attendees (1,533) and more than 150 media representatives. A total of 3,646 farmers from across the nation and several foreign countries were on hand to take part in a robust slate of educational sessions, tour the large trade show and hear from a wide range of experts and thought-leaders in agriculture. Attendance numbers are preliminary and subject to a final audit.
Highlights of the 2018 Commodity Classic included:
• A keynote address by Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who also took part in a Q&A session on the Main Stage on the trade show floor
• A slate of more than 40 educational sessions on topics ranging from soil health to farm policy, from trade to pollinators, from high-yield strategies to cover crops and more
• A huge trade show featuring 367 companies commanding a total of 1,894 booth spaces
• A three-day showcase of innovation, technology, equipment and groundbreaking ideas that are changing the face of agriculture and food production
• Dozens of opportunities for farmers to network and learn from each other
• Meetings and policy development sessions involving the presenting commodity associations
“We were very pleased with the turnout in Anaheim and the enthusiasm and energy were palpable,” said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “Commodity Classic attracts people who are passionate about agriculture, thirsty for knowledge and positive about the future.”
Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and 2018 Commodity Classic co-chair agreed. “Commodity Classic is run by farmers, for farmers,” he said. “That makes for a unique and meaningful experience for everyone who attends—and everyone takes away new ideas that will help their operation Grow Beyond!”
The 2019 Commodity Classic will take place Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is presented by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
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NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Blackburn
External Affairs Director
National Sorghum Producers
jennifer@sorghumgrowers.com
(806) 749-3478