Markets, weather, research, technology and policy will be featured at the Kansas Commodity Classic, the annual convention of the Kansas Corn, Wheat and Grain Sorghum Associations on January 16. The Classic w ill be emceed by 2011 National Farm Broadcaster of the Year Greg Akagi with WIBW/Kansas Agriculture Network. 

The event takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 410 S. Third Street in Manhattan.

The morning session will feature an overview of trends in grain markets from Bill Holbrook. Holbrook provides economic research and analysis to the ProExporter Network. We'll discuss the weather outlook with Dave Relihan, Chief Meteorologist, WIBW. A panel made up of K-State and industry leaders will talk about research and technology advances in corn, wheat and grain sorghum.

The lunch speaker for the Classic will be Barry Flinchbaugh, K-State Professor Emeritus and renowned agricultural economist and policy expert. He will focus on Congressional activities, particularly the fate of the Farm Bill after Congress passed a one-year extension Jan. 1. After lunch, learn about the K-State's Grain Science and Industry Complex on the north campus that includes the Hal Ross Flour Mill, the International Grains Program (IGP), Bioprocessing and Industrial Value Added Program (BIVAP), the Wheat Innovation Center and the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center (under construction). Tours of the complex will be offered in the afternoon for those interested.

Sponsored by the Kansas Agriculture Network, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, the event is free to attend and includes a luncheon. Walk-in attendees are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged by calling 866-759-4328.

The agenda is:

8 am              Registration opens

9 am              Welcome and Introductions, Greg Akagi, WIBW Radio

9:15 am          Market Forces at Work, Bill Holbrook, Pro Exporter Network

10 am             Kansas Weather, Dave Relihan, chief meteorologist, WIBW Radio

10:45 am         Break

11 am              Research Panel featuring representatives of the corn, wheat and grain sorghum industries                

12:15 pm         Luncheon featuring Keynote Speaker Barry Flinchbaugh, K-State

1:45 pm           Campus Update, Dirk Maier, Department Head, K-State Grain Science and Industry

2 pm               Optional Tour of K-State north campus, including International Grains Program, Hal Ross Flour Mill, Bioprocessing and Value-Added Processing Facility, Kansas Wheat Innovation Center and O.H. Kruse Feed Mill (under construction).