The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) will host its 2025 Country Elevator Conference (CEC) December 7-9 in Indianapolis. This annual event draws more than 450 grain merchandisers, elevator owners and operators, feed manufacturers, grain processors, executive-level leaders and industry suppliers for networking, expert insights and industry knowledge.
The CEC trade show — featuring dozens of booths, exhibiting their brand’s products, equipment and services — delivers the ideal opportunity to connect, collaborate and accelerate growth in agribusiness.
Meanwhile, the program’s general and breakout sessions will address crucial industry issues, like the 2026 ag economy outlook, MAHA and biofuel policy developments, Mexico’s grain sector, advancements in grading technology, freight rail policy and proactive risk management.
CEC also offers several special events attendees can take advantage of to elevate their conference experience:
- NGFA’s Business, Merchandising and Operations Committee (BMOC) meeting attendance is open to all NGFA members.
- An Arbitration Case Study Workshop will delve into the process of fairly resolving disputes under NGFA’s Arbitration System.
- NGFA’s second annual Grain and Feed Business Leadership Forum is available for current and upcoming leaders involved in asset management of NGFA-member grain, feed or biofuels operations. Pre-registration is required for this forum, where attendees will gain direct access to a diverse mix of NGFA-member company CEOs and valuable insights on successfully leading independent operations.
Click here to view the full trade show, events, meals and receptions schedule. Register online here to attend and gain the knowledge and peer connections needed to stay competitive in the ever-changing agribusiness environment.
CEC 2025 presentations and speakers
Monday December 8, 2025
2026 Ag Economy Outlook: Insights into expected market performance to guide strategic decisions in 2026.
Speaker: Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist, StoneX Group Inc.
Washington Ag Policy Update: The latest on Trump administration actions and ag legislation impacting the grain and feed industry.
Speaker: TBD
Navigating Biofuels’ Future: Explore the evolving landscape of 45Z tax credits, Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) policies, and shifting domestic demand.
Speaker: Jacqui Fatka, Lead Economist for Farm Supply and Biofuels, CoBank
Breakout Sessions: In-depth educational content tailored to different areas of the grain, feed, and processing industry.
1. PANEL | From Intake to Impact: Managing Grain for Strategic End Uses
Moderator: Dr. Berit Foss, Vice President Feed and Sustainability, NGFA
Panelists: Scott Strickland, Regional General Manager, CGB; MJ Anderson, VP, Trade Group, The Andersons; Chris Malone, VP of Biofuels & Market Development, IndigoAg
2. PANEL | The Mindset of Mexico
Moderator: Taylor Ortiz, Co-Founder & CEO, TPAC Capital LLC
Panelists: Alberto Alvarez, Managing Director, LATAM, TPAC Capital LLC; Juan Pedro Luengas, Senior VP & Head of Business Development, TPAC Capital LLC
3. Technology Updates and Modernization in US Grain Grading
Speaker: Kia Mikesh, Vice President, North Dakota Grain Inspection
Tuesday December 9, 2025
WORKSHOP | NGFA Arbitration Case Study: NGFA’s Arbitration System offers a fair, efficient, and cost-effective method for resolving disputes involving grain, feed, barge and rail freight transactions and is mandatory for active members under NGFA Bylaws. This workshop will provide a structured overview of the process, highlight common challenges and FAQs and feature a live case study for practical application.
Presenters: Charlie Delacruz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, NGFA; Max Fisher, Chief Economist and Treasurer, NGFA; Jess McCluer, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory, NGFA; Mary Hitchcock, Vice President, Systems and Office Operations, NGFA; Courtney Tucker, Coordinator, Legal and Commercial Affairs, NGFA
PANEL | MAHA’s Impact on the Grain, Feed, and Processing Industry: CEOs from leading agribusiness associations discuss the current status of MAHA legislation and its potential implications for the grain and feed industry.
Moderator: Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, NGFA
Panelists: Jane DeMarchi, President and CEO, North American Millers Association (NAMA); Devin Mogler, President and CEO, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA)
PANEL | Freight Rail & Agribusiness: A Dialogue on Trade, Policy, and Partnership: A candid fireside chat on freight rail policy, agribusiness priorities and opportunities for deeper industry alignment. Speakers will offer federal/state policy updates, including ICCTA and FRA collaboration, and insights on tariffs’ impact on freight rail and USMCA priorities, with focus on grain inspection and joint advocacy.
Moderator: Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, NGFA
Panelist: Ian Jefferies, President and CEO, The Association of American Railroads (AAR)
PANEL | How Legal System Abuse Drives Up Agribusiness Insurance: Proactive strategies for agribusinesses with fleets, public-facing roles, and/or employment risks to maintain affordable, effective coverage in the face of legal system abuse.
Moderator: Gina Ekstam, Agribusiness Vertical Leader, AssuredPartners, A Gallagher Company
Panelist: Laramie Sandquist, Senior AVP Risk Management, Nationwide Agribusiness
