Farm Compliance

St. Louis, Missouri - Staff members from several state corn associations and checkoff boards came to St. Louis last week to network, share information and hear updates on the U.S. economy and issues facing the U.S. corn industry. The meeting was also attended by St. Louis and Washington staff of the National Corn Growers Association.

At the conference, they heard from the chief executive officer of Informa Economics, Bruce Scherr, who discussed the current economic recession, forecasts for improvements and impact on the commodities market. There was also an explanation of the importance of forecasting, compared to predicting, from Bob Treadway, a noted futurist and public speaker.

In breakout sessions, the state association staff members talked about communications needs, working with livestock industry on animal welfare issues, ethanol policy and other legislative efforts, and climate change and carbon footprint issues.

“This was a great opportunity for states to come together and discuss issues that we all have been working on for some time, as well as some new areas of concern that are now arising,” said Kelly Brunkhorst of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, one of the conference facilitators. “These meetings are always the perfect forum for good, frank and open discussion between staff members about how best to help our farmers and the U.S. corn industry.”

Staff members participating represented grower associations and/or checkoff organizations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin.