MGGA Convention & Trade Show Begins November 29

Great Falls – The 2016 Montana Grain Growers Association Convention and Trade Show is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29 through Thursday, December 1, at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls, Montana. MGGA Vice President Tom Butcher, this year’s Convention Chairman, chose the theme ‘Together for Tomorrow’ to showcase and celebrate the many partnerships producers have with other commodities and agribusinesses in order to be successful in their farming operations. With nearly 900 in attendance last year, and a full trade show with over 80 booths, this event is one of Montana’s largest agricultural gatherings. MGGA activities begin on Tuesday evening with our traditional Partnerships in Ag Reception, a kickoff event welcoming all growers and trade show exhibitors. This reception immediately follows Montana Pulse Day, organized this year by the Northern Pulse Growers Association. On Wednesday and Thursday, we’ve booked a dynamic list of speakers on a variety of topics including advanced wheat breeding, farm politics and policy, a preview of the 2017 Montana legislative session, pros and cons of cover crops, small grain diseases, grain markets and marketing strategies, transportation, detection of herbicide resistant weeds and farm data management. A special block session targeted to young grain producers, but offering farm business management information for all attendees, will include presentations on cost of production, budgeting, loans and other financing strategies along with useful information on crop insurance and risk management tools. Wednesday’s trade show reception and live auction is a chance to relax and have some fun with other attendees and exhibitors while supporting MGGA’s state and national policy efforts. On Thursday, we’ll honor and thank outgoing President Rob Davis for a year of organization leadership. Most importantly, convention is the time when MGGA members come together to debate existing and proposed resolutions through the important grassroots process that sets our policy platform for the coming year. Committee meetings are scheduled for Wednesday morning and the resolution process concludes on Thursday afternoon.