Oregon-Idaho Grains Convention

The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) and the Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL), along with wheat and barley producers from throughout the Pacific Northwest will converge upon the Doubletree Lloyd Center Hotel in Portland, Oregon for this year’s Oregon-Idaho Grains Conference. The theme of the December 1-3 Conference is “Keys to Success – Partnerships, Education and Networking”.

The wheat and barley industries in Idaho and Oregon are undergoing many changes and continual challenges due to a number of issues including: increased input costs, crop insurance reforms, extreme volatility in the global grain marketplace, radical changes to federal farm policy, and increased regulatory pressure on farming operations. These topics among many others will be addressed by a wide variety of top notch speakers.

Keynote speakers for the Conference include:

Jim Miller, USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.
Undersecretary Miller oversees the administration and operations of federal farm payment, trade, and crop insurance programs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Miller served as president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) in 1987. He will discuss the development of the 2012 Farm Bill and the USDA’s administration of today’s top farm priorities.

U.S. Senator Larry Craig (Ret.), Idaho
With a combined 28 years in the United States Senate and House of Representatives, Senator
Larry Craig became recognized nationally as a voice of common sense advocating for conservative solutions to problems of our nation. A specialist in issues specific to the West, Senator Craig will provide his insight into the congressional elections results, including farm, energy, and environmental policy.

Damian Mason, Humorist & Entertainer
Keying off the theme, “Humor for the Heart of Agriculture”, Damian Mason has been a professional speaker, corporate event entertainer, and author since 1994. Damian brings his quick wit and a willingness to glean humor from all sources.

The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in the Conference. Full and single-day registrations are available. The annual Conference provides a terrific opportunity for the public and the agriculture industry to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the top issues facing the grain industry.

Conference registration and full details can be accessed at www.idahograin.org or by contacting the IGPA office at (208) 345-0706.