National commodity organizations representing growers of corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum gathered together for the first time as one group last week in Grapevine, Texas at the annual Commodity Classic. Corn and soybean growers have been together as one for the past 14 years, wheat joined the group last year, and sorghum made four this year.

Renewable fuels were a major topic of discussion throughout the week-long conference and were addressed during the general session on Friday. Emcee Mark Mayfield (left) talked with each of them – National Sorghum Producers chairman Toby Bostwick, National Association of Wheat Growers president David Cleavinger, National Corn Growers Association president Bob Dickey, and American Soybean Association president Johnny Dodson.

“One of the key issues ASA will be working on in the coming year is the extension of our biodiesel tax incentive,” said Dodson. “Biodiesel has been a win-win for the agriculture community and the average consumer.”

Bob Dickey with NCGA said making sure the Renewable Fuels Standard is implemented and maintained is one of their top legislative priorities for this year and said they will be working with the ethanol industry to increase the blend rate for ethanol. “We are supportive of higher blend rates based on sound science, provided the EPA goes along with it,” he said.