Alan Smith, newly-elected chairman of the US Meat Export Federation will speak at the Kansas Corn Dinner sponsored by the Kansas Corn Commission. The dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29 at the Garden City Plaza Inn, is open to corn producers and cattle feeders.
Smith, of Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita, will talk to producers about USMEF’s role in building meat exports to Japan and elsewhere, and the importance of strong export markets to Kansas agriculture. Those planning on attending the dinner are encouraged to call (800) 489-2676 to guarantee a seat.
The dinner is held in conjunction with the Kansas Commodity Classic, the annual convention of Kansas corn, grain sorghum, wheat and cotton producers. The Classic begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Garden City Plaza Inn.
Commodity groups represented, include the Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Corn Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and for the first time, the Kansas Cotton Association.
"To bring a diverse group of growers together gives us a chance to look at a lot of issues we don't think about every day," Schulte says. "Growers can look beyond the field to legislative, marketing and pesticide issues and irrigation retirement."
Those topics will be discussed at breakout sessions at the Classic, which is free to farmers and includes a luncheon buffet and afternoon ice cream social. Other topics featured at the event include lobbyists' perspective on the upcoming Congressional session; updates on crop insurance, the Kansas legislative outlook and marketing information from the Kansas Farm Bureau.
Most of the groups will have special events preceding or following the Classic. The KCGA and KCC will host a corn producer's dinner at 6 p.m. November 29; the KAWG and KWC are sponsoring a banquet and dinner at 6:30 p.m. November 30. The Kansas Cotton Association hosts a dinner at 6:30 p.m. November 30, too.
Most of the commodity groups will have annual meetings at the Garden City Plaza Hotel the day before or after the Classic Dates and times are:
November 29
November 30
- KGSPA: 7 .a.m.
- KAWG Committees: 4 p.m.
- KCA: 4:30 p.m.
December 1
- KAWG: 8 a.m.
- KGSC: 8 a.m. (KSU Extension office, 4500 E. Mary)
- KWC 8 a.m.
For more information, contact the Kansas Corn Commission at (800) 489-2676, or visit the Web site at www.ksgrains.com.