There were 145 media representatives covering Commodity Classic. Here’s some of them at the Sec. of Ag Schafer press conference. We all have significant needs for things like internet access, phone lines, work spaces, convenient food/beverages, privacy, a meeting place, secure room for equipment and help finding our way around. That’s why it is so important and appreciated to have companies like New Holland sponsor a media/press conference room at events like Commodity Classic.
To give you a perspective on how important this is I spoke to Pam Fretwell, WTAD and Past President of NAFB. She says that there just wouldn’t be the amount of stories going out if we didn’t have resources like the ones made possible by sponsors like New Holland.
Listen to Pam’s comments here: cc-08-fretwell-nh.mp3
I also spoke to Mike Wilson, Farm Futures and Senior Vice President of IFAJ. He says the sponsorship of the media room is very important since these events are getting so big and the resources offered really help us do our jobs. He also says that for the sponsoring company it really helps build strong relationships.
Listen to Mike’s comments here: cc-08-wilson.mp3
AgWired coverage of the 2008 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: 
and 
If you haven’t heard Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology, University of Illinois, speak then you’re missing something. He was part of a panel discussion on Maximizing Yield in Continuous Corn that filled the room. The Learning Center session was sponsored by 
BASF congratulated the country’s leading corn growers and their families for their leadership in embracing innovation at the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest banquet at the 2008 Commodity Classic. Markus Heldt, head of the BASF North American crop protection division, joined NCGA president Ron Litterer to honor the winners.
“How can it be possible for some growers to double the U.S. corn yield average?” he asked rhetorically, pointing to the national yield champions as examples of success. “At BASF, we believe that the gap is information and innovation, and we’re taking action to fill both those gaps by supporting education through scholarship programs and by building on our 143-year history of R&D investment, now totaling $450 million per year in crop protection.” 
I didn’t get to spend any time with Whitney Wallace at Commodity Classic but I got to follow her via her Monsanto Student Blogger blog – 
I think I’m the last one in the media room now. In fact, it closes in 20 minutes and they’re already tearing it down around me. Here’s Ned Arthur, 
Ed Hegland is a farmer from Minnesota and currently serving as Chairman of the 
Registration is now officially closed here at Commodity Classic and the final numbers have been posted.
For the last couple days we’ve been watching the 
It took 3 or 4 days but we’re pretty sure that Evan Slack,