The nation’s largest agricultural trade show and convention, the Commodity Classic, was held last week in San Antonio, Tex. and two local farmers were in attendance representing the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). ISA’s District Four Directors, Jeff Frank and Marty Danzer, spent their time speaking with producers from around the country, attending informational seminars and promoting Iowa’s soybean industry. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, was the keynote speaker Friday morning, and Frank says Purdue suggested the market’s lengthy downward trend should be nearing its end.
The ongoing trade dispute with China has weighed heavily on the agricultural sector since mid-2018, and the fears surrounding the global coronavirus outbreak have only driven markets lower. Following numerous conversations with other producers, Frank says there was a general feeling of uncertainty permeating the event. However, a promise of support from President Trump helped ease at least some attendees’ concerns.
Danzer, who farms corn and soybeans and runs a cattle operation southeast of Carroll, also picked up on the muted atmosphere at the Commodity Classic. However, both men say farmers and producers are a resilient bunch and will bounce back, much like they did after the 1980s farm crisis. While trade issues dominated many discussions during the event, Danzer says there were plenty of positives for him to bring home.
Attendance at the 2020 Commodity Classic was estimated at over 9,000, including farmers, exhibitors, company representatives and more.
