In Orlando, Florida, from March 17 to 19, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) will host its 128th annual convention at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. This gathering of top agribusiness leaders promises to be a hub for discussing future opportunities in the sector, conducting essential Association business, and honoring NGFA’s active members.
NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert emphasized the event's focus on providing critical insights into the agricultural value chain. Key topics include service updates from Class I railroads, an analysis of the Snake River dams situation, an outlook on upcoming elections, and updates on regulatory and consumer trends. The convention will also witness the induction of the new class of members in the NGFA Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) and host the first in-person meetings of various new NGFA committees, part of a recent Association restructuring project. Seyfert underscored the event’s role in celebrating member contributions and volunteer service.
The convention features a lineup of influential speakers. Alan Shaw, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern; Daniel Whitley, Administrator of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS); and Nathan Gonzales, Publisher and Editor of Inside Elections, are scheduled to speak on March 18. Paul Maass, CEO and Director of Scoular, and Dan Christenson, Senior Director of Government Affairs for PepsiCo, will present on March 19.
Additionally, a Transportation Open Forum will take place on March 17. It includes a Class I Rail Panel with representatives from BNSF Railway, CSX, CN, Union Pacific Railroad, and Norfolk Southern Corporation. A special segment will feature Anthony Peña, Government Relations Manager at the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, providing an update on the Snake River Dams.
The convention's agenda also includes NGFA business meetings, a golf tournament benefiting the National Grain and Feed Foundation, and various networking events. This annual convention is set to offer a blend of strategic discussions, industry insights, and opportunities for collaboration among leaders in agribusiness.
