A new farm bill, growing export markets, maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard, taxes and regulatory reform are just a few of the top priorities for corn and soybean farmers in 2017.

American Soybean Association president Ron Moore of Illinois, vice president John Heisdorffer of Iowa, and chairman Richard Wilkins of Delaware discussed some of those big issues during a press conference at the Commodity Classic Thursday. Heisdorffer highlighted the importance of working with the Trump administration on expanding export markets, increasing bilateral trade agreements, and keeping a good relationship with China. “We cannot afford to get China trade wrong, there’s just too much at stake for soybean farmers,” he said. ASA press conference

National Corn Growers Association president Wesley Spurlock of Texas said their first priority will be to protect market gains made through previous trade agreements,” said Spurlock. “We understand the president has concerns with NAFTA, but we are hopeful that he will take a boarder look at the gains our country has enjoyed through reduced trade barriers.”

Spurlock was joined by NCGA CEO Chris Novak, chairman Chip Bowling of Maryland, and first vice president Kevin Skunes of North Dakota. NCGA press conference

ASA and NCGA are two of the five groups who host the annual Commodity Classic. The others are the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), National Sorghum Producers (NSP), and Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). We will be posting press conferences from all of them.

2017 Commodity Classic Photo Album