The first press conference here at Commodity Classic is always with the leadership of NCGA and ASA. Next year that will include NAWG, but more on that later. To get us started I interviewed NCGA President, Gerald Tumbleson.
The suspicious life of a fellowshipper
As Chuck posted, Mary and I got a sneak peek of the trade show. This year’s show is featuring over 180 companies in over 645 booths. At 3 (Pacific time) the show will officially open to the press, and yes, Mary and I were able to receive press credentials although we are getting some funny looks from people. Maybe they are confused about our blogging…
Already we’ve seen many of the booths, and I am really impressed on the technology, business strategies and other aspects of this industry being presented.
I am especially looking forward to further investigating a special section about renewable fuels, which is new to the show this year.
Roll Out The Green Carpet
I asked the college bloggers to think creatively and find some pictures to post. Here’s another one Margy came up with. The post title is hers too.
What You Can Make From Corn
Margy took a picture at the NCGA booth because she thought this was such an interesting collection of products made from corn.
FFA and John Deere:What a better combination?
It is a beautiful Thursday here in Anaheim. We started of the day by going to the National FFA Organization LifeKnowledge breakfast. This was a press conference that allowed the National FFA to announce their LifeKnowledge program that is being implemented into schools across the nation. This had special interest to me because I was a member of the Illinois FFA for five years
Broadcasters Interviewing Broadcasters
The media are so enthusiastic here at the start of Commodity Classis that they’re even interviewing each other.
FFA LifeKnowledge Center Unveiled
The first assignment I gave to my student bloggers was to cover this morning’s FFA Breakfast. The breakfast was FFA’s venue to launch their LifeKnowledge Center for Agricultural Education. This Center is going to be the focal point for FFA’s leadership initiative that not only supports FFA’s core principles but also has the goal of establishing 10,000 quality agricultural science programs by the year 2015.
Mary Irelan took the picture and Margy Fischer did the interview. Margy’s interview is with Michelle Spoelstra, a high school junior at Hanford High School, Hanford, CA. That interview is available here: 
Michelle Spoelstra Interview (2:12 MP3 File)
A breakfast made possible by the future of ag
As expected, I had an early start to my first full day at Commodity Classic. I attended a breakfast hosted by FFA regarding their program LifeKnowledge.
It was the best way to start a day here – with lots of agricultural products. From the orange juice, to the egg quiche, to the French toast with almonds and peaches, our tables celebrated our diverse food supply.
Optimum Time To Announce GAT
A lot of announcements will be made at Commodity Classic this week, or at least timed for the event. Here’s one we’ve been expecting since last week’s Pioneer Science of Solutions event.
Wine Tasting With Mickey
The Mickey ears give our location away. This photo was inspired by Tom Steever, Brownfield Network. This was our view from the Bayer CropScience dinner. Great food and company.