Ribbon Cutting to Open Exhibits and Poster Session at CUTC

The grand opening session of exhibitors and the poster session at the CUTC got started with a ribbon cutting by USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr (l) and NCGA VP Bob Dickey (r).

Following them we entered the exhibit area and were treated to a reception that consisted of some good food and something that I can only describe as a “corntini.” At least it was a martini with corn in it. Someone else will have to fill in the details for that in the comments.

The exhibits will be open again in the morning for breakfast.

CUTC Photo Album

USDA Rural Development Secretary Keynotes CUTC

The Keynote Speaker for the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference was our USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Thomas Dorr.

He told corn growers and all the attendees that they’re doing a great job. He also said that there are challenges ahead like the recent Grocery Manufacturers Association attack on ethanol. He says that’s making it difficult to get the facts out to the media.

He points out that we’ve been through substantive increases in demand before like back in the early ’70′s with the Russian grain robbery that led to fears about escalating food prices. He said that no good deed goes unpunished and that we’ve had the good side of the cycle and now we’re going to have to suffer through the other side. He says it’s difficult to fight a well financed opponent that’s less inclined to deal with facts as opposed to dealing with emotion.

Here’s my interview with Sec. Dorr:

Here’s Sec. Dorr’s Keynote Address:

CUTC Photo Album

NCGA VP Provides Welcome To CUTC

We were welcomed to the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference by NCGA First Vice President, Bob Dickey.

He welcomed everyone and introduced the keynote speaker, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr, seen here (left) talking to Bob prior to the start of the session. I spoke to Bob before things got going. He says there’s a contingent of foreign visitors here and although he doesn’t have attendance figures yet he’s hoping for a good crowd. I asked him how things were going with corn planting after seeing that we’re finally nearing completion and he said that he’s hoping for a normal amount of heat units during the next couple months. I can understand that with all the rain we’ve been having in the midwest.

I also recorded his welcoming remarks and am posting them for you here too.

Here’s my interview with Bob:

Here’s Bob’s welcoming remarks:

You can find photos of the CUTC in this photo album:
CUTC Photo Album

Getting Started at the CUTC

The 2008 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference is about to begin. The event is being held at the Marriott in downtown Kansas City and I just got in and connected in the media room.

In less than an hour we’ll kick things off with a Keynote Speech by USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Tom Dorr. He’ll be introduced by NCGA First Vice President Bob Dickey. Afterward we’ll all head across the street for the opening reception. I’m going to be recording the opening session to post later this evening.

I’ll also be bringing you stories and interviews from the presentations starting tomorrow and over the next week or so.