2016 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention Welcomes Growers

    RITZVILLE, WA, November 10, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nearly a year's worth of planning, organizing and work by the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, the Idaho Grain Producers Association and the Oregon Wheat Growers League comes to fruition this week as the 2016 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention kicks off in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, running from Nov. 9-12.

Many issues have hit the wheat industry recently, such as historically low wheat prices, attacks on the farm safety net, and the quality problems some Pacific Northwest producers experienced this year due to low falling numbers. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts on these issues, ask questions, and network with industry representatives and other producers. Attendees will also have the chance to explore the latest in industry innovation by visiting with more than 40 vendors and exhibitors.

The convention will feature keynote speeches on the future of agriculture, outside forces shaping today's grain markets, and how to make tough choices in challenging times. Break-out sessions will cover a diverse set of topics, from setting a value on used equipment, to the influence of starch on falling numbers to a look at transitioning to direct seeding. Current industry issues will also be addressed, including GMOs, the attacks on crop insurance and the upcoming 2018 Farm Bill.

John Phipps, a farmer from Chrisman, Ill., who was the host of the U.S. Farm Report from 2005 to 2014, will be emceeing this year's event.

All three state organizations will hold annual meetings during the convention where members will have the opportunity to review and provide input into the respective organizations' resolutions. These resolutions shape and direct each organization's course for the coming year. Each state will also hold a banquet to recognize members' contributions to the industry over the past year.

One of the most anticipated events at the annual convention is the auction, which raises money for scholarships, education efforts, and grants by the three states' foundations. This year, Tanner Beymer of Beymer & Co. Auctions will be heading the event. Originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, and currently attending the University of Idaho, Tanner has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for benefits and charities all across the western U.S. since 2012.

More information on the 2016 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention can be found at http://www.wawg.org/convention/

Our Mission:

While each state has specific philosophies and priorities, as members of the National Association of Wheat Growers, our vision is advancing the industry through advocacy, alliances and innovation by:

- Encouraging investment and innovation in US grain.
- Promoting unity and partnerships across the grain industry, working towards unified ag policy.
- Promoting opportunities through education and stewardship.
- Improving risk management programs to support US grain growers, including federal farm policy, crop insurance and transportation policies.

Our Policy:

Each year the PNW wheat growers set individual policy agendas that include advising state and national lawmakers on various topics. Many of those topics are similar in each state, including transportation, federal programs, pesticide regulations, conservation practices, research programs, and risk management.

Whether in Idaho, Oregon or Washington, each state fights for the grain industry's success on state and national levels. Through a united voice on many issues, the PNW is facing the challenges ahead in a proactive way.

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