Grayson Daniels, Riceland Foods vice president of grain sales and procurement and chair of the NGFA Business, Merchandising, and Operations Committee, kicks off NGFA’s 53rd Country Elevator Conference. Photos courtesy of NGFA.
Grayson Daniels, Riceland Foods vice president of grain sales and procurement and chair of the NGFA Business, Merchandising, and Operations Committee, kicks off NGFA’s 53rd Country Elevator Conference. Photos courtesy of NGFA.

More than 500 grain and feed industry leaders gathered in Kansas City, MO, Dec. 12-14, for the National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 53rd annual Country Elevator Conference (CEC) and Trade Show.

With a focus on equipping industry professionals to tackle a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, the event offered critical insights into pressing challenges such as economic pressures, geopolitical shifts, and the ever-present impact of extreme weather.

The conference – a premier event for country elevator managers and agribusiness professionals – featured various educational sessions, keynote speakers, and industry exhibitors. From commodity market volatility to advancements in transportation infrastructure, the discussions underscored the multifaceted nature of the sector’s challenges, and the innovative strategies required to address them.

Grayson Daniels, vice president of grain sales and procurement for Riceland Foods, Stuttgart, AR, and chair of the NGFA Business, Merchandising, and Operations Committee, started the conference by welcoming attendees to a robust schedule designed to provide actionable strategies and cutting-edge insights.

The opening day’s discussions centered on three critical themes: fluctuating commodity prices, shifting political realities, and the looming specter of extreme weather.

Stephen Nicholson, Rabo AgriFinance global sector strategist for grain and oilseeds, gave general session attendees an overview of the U.S. agriculture industry’s challenges and opportunities headed into 2025.
Stephen Nicholson, Rabo AgriFinance global sector strategist for grain and oilseeds, gave general session attendees an overview of the U.S. agriculture industry’s challenges and opportunities headed into 2025.

General Sessions

Stephen Nicholson, global sector strategist for grain and oilseeds at Rabo AgriFinance, highlighted the economic pressures that have created a tough operating environment for U.S. agriculture. He explained that low commodity prices are negatively affecting working capital and squeezing profit margins across the agricultural supply chain. Declining soybean exports to China, a domestic corn surplus, and intensifying competition from global exporters have added to the strain. Nicholson emphasized the uncertainties ahead, shaped by trade, policy, and weather.

Despite these challenges, he pointed to emerging opportunities. “Lower wheat export volumes from the European Union (EU) and Russia have created opportunities for other major producers like Canada and the United States,” Nicholson explained. In addition, the biofuels market and emerging export opportunities in the EU, Mexico, India, and Vietnam are potential bright spots.

Jim Wiesemeyer, Washington policy analyst for Pro Farmer, addressed the political factors influencing the agricultural sector. With the election of Donald Trump to a second term, Wiesemeyer predicted a renewed focus on deregulation, tax cuts, and policies that could revitalize rural economies. “Trump 2.0 is bringing in agents of change,” he said, explaining that he has even stronger support in rural America this time around. This political shift, he argued, could alleviate some of the economic pressures currently burdening the agricultural sector.

Weather volatility remains a perennial concern for the industry, and extreme meteorologist Dr. Reed Timmer delivered a sobering forecast for 2025. Predicting powerful tornadoes in the Great Plains and southeastern United States, Timmer warned attendees of the potential disruptions ahead.

Drought conditions in the Midwest could worsen, he added, while hurricane seasons are expected to remain unpredictable but potentially devastating. “In the last three years, we’ve been chasing more storms than ever,” Timmer remarked, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather patterns.

The second day of the conference delved deeper into the structural changes reshaping global agriculture and the steps needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness. Keynote speakers tackled critical topics, including geopolitical alliances, transportation challenges, and regulatory developments.

Ambassador Kip Tom, a prominent agricultural advisor and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agencies, addressed the evolving global landscape. Tom highlighted the growing influence of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – and the challenges their alliance poses for U.S. agriculture.

Geopolitical conflicts and the commoditization of transportation were also discussed as major hurdles for the industry. “Structural changes are occurring on a global level that U.S. agriculture will need to navigate in the coming years,” Tom stated. He stressed the importance of prioritizing technological innovation, infrastructure investment, and strengthening North American relations to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Tom’s call for enhanced collaboration was echoed in the remarks of Rodrigo Rubio Sánchez, representing Ferromex, Mexico’s main rail carrier. Rubio stressed the importance of improving the transportation infrastructure between the United States and Mexico. “External factors presented operational challenges this year, but we were able to meet the demand,” he noted. Rail shipments of U.S. agricultural commodities to Mexico were slowed in 2024, due in part to migrant problems, record export volumes, and some capacity limitations. But Ferromex is taking steps to speed shipments moving forward, Rubio said, by “prioritizing immediate investments to enhance network fluidity [...] and supporting investments in more efficient terminals.”

The evolving regulatory landscape also took center stage during the second day’s programming. Glenn Spencer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice president-Employment Policy Division, discussed the Loper Bright decision and its implications for the grain, feed, and processing industry. The Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024, overturned the longstanding Chevron deference.

Under Chevron, courts deferred to federal agencies’ interpretations of statutes they administer. In Loper Bright, the Court ruled that judges, not agencies, hold the primary authority to interpret laws, even when statutory language is unclear. From a practical standpoint, the decision significantly limits agency power and is expected to increase legal challenges to regulatory actions across multiple industries.

Sadie Frey, Agtegra Cooperative, won the 2024 NGFA photo contest with an image capturing this year’s theme: “Safety in Action.” Frey was recognized at the NGFA’s 53rd Country Elevator Conference in Kansas City, MO.
Sadie Frey, Agtegra Cooperative, won the 2024 NGFA photo contest with an image capturing this year’s theme: “Safety in Action.” Frey was recognized at the NGFA’s 53rd Country Elevator Conference in Kansas City, MO.

Additional Highlights

In addition to conference general sessions, attendees were invited to participate in breakout sessions focused on issues including the future of technology and artificial intelligence, sustainability and the 45Z tax credit, and the growing use of parametric derivatives as a hedge against risk.

Beyond the educational sessions, the conference offered a vibrant trade show featuring 68 exhibitors. Industry leaders showcased innovative products, services, and technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. The trade show also provided attendees with invaluable opportunities to connect, share ideas, and explore partnerships.

A special highlight of the event was the recognition of Sadie Frey from Agtegra Cooperative, whose photo captured agricultural safety practices and won the 2024 photo contest (see below). Her image exemplified the industry’s commitment to innovation and best practices.

As the conference closed, attendees left with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. From economic pressures and geopolitical shifts to weather unpredictability and regulatory changes, the issues discussed underscored the complexity of the agricultural landscape. However, the insights shared during the two-day event equipped participants with strategies to navigate these uncertainties. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and advocating for supportive policies, the grain and feed industry can remain resilient in the face of change.

The 53rd Country Elevator Conference not only highlighted the pressing challenges of today but also inspired attendees to take proactive steps toward a sustainable and prosperous future. With actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose, the industry is well-positioned to tackle the road ahead.

More from CEC. For additional resources, speaker presentations, and event highlights, visit ngfa.org/cec.

The 54th Country Elevator Conference will be held Dec. 7-9, 2025 in Indianapolis, IN.