I did go “off the grid” yesterday down here in Florida. A day out of the Gulf of Mexico is good for the soul. And also your dinner plate if you’re lucky enough to land a legal maximum redfish!

I caught this one just before we called it quits yesterday. Now I’m back “on the grid” in Orlando getting ready for the start of the National Ethanol Conference. You can read all about it on The Ethanol Report beginning tomorrow. The Ethanol Report is the official blog of the Renewable Fuels Association.

This 80 degree sunny weather sure beats what we’ve had back at home in Missouri. Later this week I’ll be moving on to Commodity Classic so you’re going to be seeing a lot of activity from some major industry events. I figured our new Secretary of Agriculture would be there too and got the announcement late Friday.

Commodity Classic today announced that Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer will speak during the General Session on Friday, Feb. 29 in Nashville, Tenn.