Wednesday, February 27

Optional Tours

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

NAWG Committee Meetings

Noon – 12:30 p.m.

ASA Resolutions Subcommittee Briefing

12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m.

NCGA Issues Briefing

12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

ASA Resolutions Subcommittees

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 

NCGA Open Forum & Policy Discussion

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

NCGA State Caucuses

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

“Blue Jean Boogie”
Pre-opening Reception
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (By invitation only)
Sponsored by Syngenta
Ticket event for growers, media, state staff and family members. A ticket can be found in your registration badge.
Howdy, y’all!  Before the convention gets into full swing, grab your partner and come on down for a good dose of Southern hospitality to welcome you to Music City. Get your boots scootin’ with one of Nashville’s hottest live bands and line-dance instructors that’ll get you stompin’, kickin’ and steppin’. Or just pull up a chair and sit a spell while you enjoy minglin’ with your friends and kinfolk around some good ol’ country cookin’.  This joint will be jumpin’ on Wednesday, February 27, so y’all come on down now, ya’ hear?  Register by January 16 to receive a free drink ticket. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult. 

NCGA CornPAC
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
How-dee! Ya’ll won’t want to miss the Grand Ole CornPAC event.  Kick up your heels the Grand Ole Opry way.  
To preregister, please call (202) 628-7001. Please remember, only NCGA members can contribute to the CornPAC.

Thursday, February 28

Optional Tours

Early Riser Marketing Session
Taming the Volatility
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Sponsored by Stewart-Peterson
Speaker: Scott Stewart, President/CEO of Stewart-Peterson
Scott Stewart, President of Stewart-Peterson, will take you on a volatility roller coaster ride and demonstrate how you can actually tame this wild ride with a strategy that plans for both the peaks and valleys. Stewart’s candid style will keep your ears perked as you learn how to apply new marketing rules to new marketing times. Be sure to attend!

ASA State Caucuses

NAWG Committee Meetings

Pre-opening Learning Center Session

8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Take Charge of Your Farm’s Future*
Sponsored by United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff
Speaker: Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse Editor
Like it or not, farm women are likely to outlive their spouses—sometimes by a decade or more. That means that a lot of farm decisions, including farm management, renting farmland, transferring or selling assets and a host of legal issues will likely fall on the shoulders of today’s farm women. With skyrocketing farmland prices and complicated farm programs, the options are more difficult than ever before. Find out how to start planning now with your spouse and family members, so that you can keep the family and the farm intact—and rest easier at night!   

*Session based on toolkit developed by Iowa Women for Agriculture

Mini WIN Sessions
8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Attend these five-minute presentations where companies showcase new innovations and services critical to agriculture’s future.

NCGA Corn Congress

ASA Open Resolutions Meeting

Mini WIN Sessions
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Repeat of morning Mini WIN sessions

Pre-opening Learning Center Session
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Production Research – What’s on the Horizon
Sponsored by United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff
Speakers: Soybean/Corn/Wheat research representatives
Current research projects are incorporating innovative technologies to help improve farmers’ production. For example, to help soybean farmers manage soybean cyst nematode, researchers are using the same RNA-interference technology that won a Nobel Prize in medicine last year. New tools and techniques are being used in research that can help farmers better manage yield-robbing diseases and pests and produce healthier crops overall. Come hear what’s in the pipeline for soybean, corn and wheat research that can impact your profit opportunities.

Trade Show
Grand Opening
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Roundup PowerMAX
More Powerful, More Consistent Weed Control from Weed to Weed and Field to Field
Please join us in learning about the newest standard in Roundup powerful performance, Roundup PowerMAX. Witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony and enjoy a power snack before venturing off to visit the trade show exhibits, including the Monsanto booth. While there, pick up some information on Roundup PowerMAX and register to win one of several great prizes. The trade show features leading agribusiness decision-makers and representatives showcasing state-of-the-art products and technology. When you visit the booths, be sure to share your thoughts, ask questions and help influence the agricultural products, policies and services of tomorrow. The trade show ticket is included in all full registration packages or the Thursday one-day registration.

ASA SoyPAC Auction
7:00 p.m. – 9:00  p.m.
ASA Members - Show your enthusiasm for soybeans and be a part of the third annual ASA Auction to benefit SoyPAC, ASA’s political action committee.  The ASA Auction will have many “must have” items for you to bid on along with appetizers, beverages and great company to enjoy. For registration information, call
(800) 688-7692. 

NAWG State Executives Roundtable & Nominating Committee

Friday, February 29

Optional Tours

U.S. Farm Report Early Riser Marketing Session
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Farm Journal Media
Moderator: Al Pell, Agribusiness Director, U.S. Farm Report and AgDay Television
Special Appearance by:
John Phipps, U.S. Farm Report host and Farm Journal/
Top Producer columnist
Be a part of  “U.S. Farm Report,” the weekly one-hour program produced by Farm Journal Media.  See a television show in the making and ask questions of host Al Pell and a panel of commodity traders and analysts. Gain insight on futures, market trends and other agricultural issues as the experts debate topics that you present. Your questions will guide a lively discussion on grain futures, market trends, and top-of-mind agribusiness issues. Highlights from this special television taping will air nationwide on the nation’s longest-running syndicated agricultural news program,
U. S. Farm Report.

National Corn Yield Contest State Award Winners Breakfast

General Session
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, LLC and Commodity Classic
Back to entertain and emcee, U.S. Farm Report host John Phipps will lead a robust General Session. Listen to what’s on the minds of commodity groups as ASA President John Hoffman, NCGA President Ron Litterer and NAWG President John Thaemert have a candid discussion on the priorities for each association and what’s going on in agriculture. Keynote speaker Charlie Cook will provide valuable insight into the upcoming U.S. elections. Cook is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends. And finally, world-class guitarist and stand-up comedian Mike Rayburn will delight and entertain you. Rayburn is an authority on personal development and human potential. With just his words and guitar he will prove that anything from a business to one’s life can be transformed by applying three powerful principles.

Trade Show Open
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Trade Show Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.            
Sponsored by Commodity Classic

“What is New” (WIN) Sessions
1:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.                                          
Attend various 40-minute WIN sessions throughout the afternoon where companies showcase new innovations and services critical to agriculture’s future.

Learning Centers
1:00  p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learning Centers provide an excellent opportunity to hear experts discuss issues that affect your profitability.
Starch and Cellulose as Ethanol Feedstocks
Sponsored by John Deere
Speakers:  Don Borgman, Director, Agricultural Industry Relations, John Deere; John Hickman, Principal Scientist, John Deere
This session includes a realistic timeline for cellulosic development and the importance of starch as the primary ethanol feedstock (at least for the near term). Other topics include harvesting challenges for both increased corn yields, as well as cellulose.  This will be a realistic, practical discussion on what the industry can currently support and some of the issues for future production and distribution of starch and ethanol as a viable fuel source.
Wind Energy: Another Cash Crop
Capitalizing on Wind Energy Development in Rural America
Sponsored by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Commodity Classic
Speakers:  Larry Flowers, National Technical Director of Wind Powering America, NREL
Wind energy development is gaining traction. The U.S. Department of Energy with many collaborators has developed a 20 percent Scenario –  in which 20 percent of the electricity generated in this country will be produced by wind energy.  This will create a huge opportunity for rural economic development and for land owners in rural America.  Learn about what you can expect from a wind developer and what you can do to keep more money in your communities by forming local ownership for wind projects.

Learning Centers
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Markets for Greenhouse Gas Credits – What’s in it for U.S. Agricultural Producers?
Sponsored by National Association of Wheat Growers
Speaker: Dr. Zach Willey, Environmental Defense
In the U.S. and globally, the policy trend is toward the setting of limits or “caps” on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  This is achieved by creating the rules for the operation of markets for GHG credits.  In the U.S. such a market could grow to over $20 billion annually by 2020.  Worldwide trading in GHG credits exceeded $30 billion in 2006. What are the opportunities and challenges for U.S. agricultural commodity producers to become suppliers in this new market?  This session will survey the relevant issues, including how GHG credits can be developed at the farm level and the attendant economics of doing so.  Macro issues, including the state of the world market for GHG credits and the current status of U.S. policy and legislative developments, will be covered as well. 

Maximizing Yield in Continuous Corn
Sponsored by Syngenta
Speakers:  Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology, University of Illinois; Mike Missman,  grower from Webster City, Iowa; Tracy Mader, Agrisure Traits Brand Manager, Syngenta
Despite its high profit potential, a corn-on-corn rotation can present many agronomic challenges. Heightened insect, weed and disease pressures; fertility challenges; herbicide resistance potential and selecting the right hybrids and traits are just a few of the issues facing growers who are converting more of their acreage to corn.
Growers will hear an in-depth discussion of corn production trends and challenges, plus winning strategies for maximizing yields in continuous corn.  Panelists include Dr. Fred Below from University of Illinois; Mike Missman, a central Iowa corn grower who successfully increased his corn acreage; and Tracy Mader who will discuss the importance of trait rotation in continuous corn.

Learning Center
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Farm Bill Update: What’s the Future Hold? 
Sponsored by FMC Corporation
It’s the subject on everyone’s mind.  Please plan to attend this session to learn about the inside politics and practical implementation of the new Farm Bill.  Experts from a leading farm policy “think-tank” will provide clarification on how it will affect your operation.

American Soybean Association Awards Banquet
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by EMD Crop BioScience; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc./DuPont Crop Protection; United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff
This event is a celebration to recognize ASA, membership and industry accomplishments. ASA awards and honors will be presented for membership growth and recruiting, lifetime achievement, leadership building and outstanding conservation practices.

National Corn Growers Association Awards Banquet
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by BASF,
Bayer CropScience and John Deere
National winners of the 2007 National Corn Yield Contest will be recognized for their outstanding production. Other growers, including top recruiters and state organizations, will also be honored for their accomplishments during the past year.

National Association of Wheat Growers WheatPAC Dinner and Auction on the General Jackson Showboat
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join NAWG on the historic General Jackson Showboat for the annual WheatPAC dinner and auction. The General Jackson is a 300-foot vessel styled in the grand tradition of the paddlewheel riverboats that cruised the great Southern waterways in the 1800s. The WheatPAC event will have exclusive access to the boat for socializing during a cocktail reception, partaking in a fabulous dinner and bidding on a spread of auction items, all to benefit the wheat industry’s political action committee. Tickets are $75 each, including transportation from the Gaylord Opryland. For ticket information, call NAWG at (202) 547-7800.

Saturday, March 1

Optional Tours

Early Riser Marketing Session
Be A Marketing Maverick
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Sponsored by The Corn and Soybean Digest
Speakers:  Doug Harper, Vice President of Editorial, The Brock Report; Tyler Bruch, grower from Bahia, Brazil
Who’d have guessed that ethanol could drive corn prices to over 4 dollars and soybean prices to over 9 dollars a bushel? Savvy marketing with such wide price swings means you need to pay attention to all the signals in your risk management plan. Learn ways to stay on top of erratic prices and make money with marketing consultant Doug Harper from Brock Associates, a contributor to The Corn And Soybean Digest. Plus, columnist Tyler Bruch, a young Iowan who is farming 32,000 acres in Brazil, will talk about changing markets since the U.S. is planting fewer soybeans.

Trade Show Open
8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m

Trade Show Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sponsored by Commodity Classicsm
Continental breakfast is included in all full registration packages or Saturday’s one-day registration package.

WIN Sessions
9:00 a.m. - 9:40 p.m.
Attend various 40-minute WIN sessions throughout the afternoon where companies showcase new innovations and services critical to agriculture’s future.

Learning Centers
11:00 a.m. - Noon
Women-to-Women
Sponsored by Commodity Classic
Speaker:  Naomi Blohm, Market Advisor for Stewart-Peterson
 “Women-to-Women” is a first of its kind marketing workshop directed exclusively to women and presented by a woman. The presenter, Naomi Blohm, is an experienced Market Advisor at Stewart-Peterson and has built trusting relationships with farm women by assisting them with the marketing of their operation. Naomi has a keen understanding of the marketing frustrations that women typically feel and is able to bring women to a new level of knowledge and confidence with their marketing. Join Naomi and move your marketing to the next level with confidence like never before.

Soybean Seeding Rates and Management of Economic Return
Sponsored by BASF
Speaker:  Dr. Palle Pedersen, Soybean Extension Agronomist, Iowa State University
Soybean seed prices have increased over the last decade due to unique traits such as improved weed management systems, better disease resistance, improved grain composition and added seed treatment options. These high value seed innovations with only slightly increased management can be utilized by many growers to save $5-7 per acre by optimizing their soybean seeding rate.  Come learn the results of an extensive Iowa study regarding seeding rates, treatments, and maximizing economic return.
Climate Factors That Influence Weather
Sponsored by DTN Ag
Speaker: Bryce Anderson, Senior Agricultural Meteorologist
DTN Ag Meteorologist Bryce Anderson explains the key climate factors that will shape producers’ weather in the weeks ahead. The precise contents of this presentation will vary with the calendar. The presentation will encompass climate factors influencing the main weather makers for the U.S. Corn Belt, Soybean Belt, Winter Wheat, and Northern Plains regions. Many factors will be discussed including soil moisture, jet stream patterns and the Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature trends. A special-interest feature will be the prospect of a repeat of the 1988 drought in this, the 20th year since its damaging impact on Midwest crops.  He shows how to use climate trends to determine how the producer can use the weather as part of his marketing strategy. 

NAWG Board of Directors Meeting

NCGA Corn Congress

ASA Voting Delegate Session

Closing Learning Center Session
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Reduce Your Input Costs and Increase Return On Investment
Sponsored by Case IH

Speakers:  Brian Hefty, Ag PhD TV; Darren Hefty, Ag PhD TV

Crop input prices for 2008 are high, but don’t worry.  Brian and Darren Hefty, hosts of the Ag PhD television program, will share their secrets to keeping input costs down while maximizing your return on investment.  It starts with an attention to detail. Your management of key factors such as plant stands and fertility set the stage for a successful crop.  The Hefty’s will share data from across the country, experiences from Brazil and Ukraine, as well as their own on-farm testing to show you how to continue increasing yields on your farm without breaking your budget.

Worship Service
Fellowship of Christian Farmers
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by KINZE Manufacturing
All are welcome.

Evening of Entertainment
at the Grand Ole Opry
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Monsanto
What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. Enjoy this Commodity Classic exclusive event at the Opry as we close another great convention.