Iwent to the American Sugarbeet Growers Association annual meeting again this year.

I haven’t been on that board for seven years now, so why would I go? Long Beach is nice; but if you are going to sit inside and listen to speakers, well, Fargo isn’t bad in the winter if you don’t go out.

The answer is two-fold. First, I have made some good friends, people I respect very much, and the ASGA meeting is a good place to catch up. Second, the board and leadership at CoBank want me to stay connected. Sugar is an important part of American agriculture, and they are amazed at how well “Sugar” works in Washington, D.C.

I would like to take a moment to address that part about effectiveness. All you growers have heard from your ASGA representatives about how good ASGA works. Well, as a seven-year outsider, let me tell you: they are better than you believe, and it is all about the people.

Read our entire issue and back issues. Click here.

In all three of the farm-related meetings I’ve attended so far this winter, there has been a significant amount of time spent telling us to get our records in good shape, make realistic projections — and get ready to meet with our bankers to do cash trickle planning. Good luck to you, I hope you own cows.


Read our entire issue and back issues. Click here.