Does Every Year Start This Fast?

It seems I’ve hardly stashed the Christmas ornaments away and we’re already fast into 2017! That’s not a complaint — the quicker we jump into our business year, the better off we are. It can be a bit of an adrenaline rush. So, here I am, writing my column the second week in January and already working on what needs to happen in May and June … and even thinking about November and December!

While the media business seems to be inherently hectic, we tend to add a little more pressure on ourselves, as well. It’s all part of our effort to remain an information leader for our audience.

One of our key efforts this year is building on last year’s successful launch of Feed & Grain LIVE, an educational conference, networking opportunity and trade show for industry professionals. You can find more information on pg. 92 of this issue, or at live.feedandgrain.com.

We had plenty of positive feedback — and constructive critiques — from last year’s event. As a result, we’ve added another day to the conference to provide even more information than last year.

Our editorial team, with input from our audience, from last year’s attendees and from university and industry association experts, have added a workshop and several educational sessions to make this year’s conference more valuable and educational.

A key topic, of course, is the Food Safety Modernization Act and its impact on our industry. Grain quality management and grain merchandising will be covered, along with safety and risk management.

We’re also going to include a presentation on the potential for emerging grain markets and the impact they might have for future opportunities. We will also bring representatives from three companies featured on our covers over the last year for an engaging panel discussion on the improvements they made to their facilities. Plus, as I’ve heard so many times over the years, casual conversations with other industry professionals are a great learning opportunity. So the event will include receptions, meal and refreshment breaks, and time to visit with the exhibitors — lots of networking!

I certainly hope to see you there. I know … it’s a few months away. But it feels like it will be here tomorrow!

— Arlette Sambs