Agricultural commodity producers from across the state will gather for the 2012 Illinois Commodity Conference on Tuesday, November 20 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington, Ill. The one-day event – centered on the theme “Working Together Everyone Achieves More” ­– begins with registration at 7:30 a.m., which is followed by networking at 9:00 a.m. The first speaker, Jody Lawrence will share his marketing advice starting at 10:00 a.m., and the entire program will wrap up at 2:00 with an ice cream social.

Six Illinois commodity groups are hosting the conference, including the Illinois Beef Association (IBA), Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA), Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA), Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Illinois Wheat Association (IWA). In addition, three agricultural companies – Monsanto, Syngenta and Pioneer – are serving as major sponsors of the event. Developed to promote leadership and cooperation among these commodity groups, it also serves as a venue for educating producers and enhancing market opportunities.

This year’s schedule will look slightly different than previous years with two breakout sessions that producers can choose to attend.  Speakers include Nic Anderson, business developer at Illinois Livestock Group, Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Dan Schaefer, director of nutrient stewardship for CBMP, Kevin Daugherty, Ag in the Classroom coordinator, Mike and Lynn Martz of Larson Family Farms and Coach Herman Boone, who will share his inspirational story that was captured in the Disney film Remember the Titans.

Producers interested in attending the 2012 Illinois Commodity Conference may register in advance or at the door. The fee, which includes lunch, is $45 before November 8 and $60 thereafter. Students are eligible to register at a discounted rate of $20. More information, including a complete agenda, is available online at www.ilcommodityconf.org or by calling (309) 557-3703.