INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Dec. 8, 2025 – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) kicked off the 54th annual Country Elevator Conference (CEC) today, where more than 450 attendees gathered for a full slate of economic, market, policy, and operational insights shaping the year ahead. Day 1 sessions highlighted shifting commodity fundamentals, an evolving global trade environment, and rapid developments in the biofuels sector – themes that will heavily influence grain, feed, and agribusiness profitability in 2026.

Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX Group Inc., opened the general session with a forward-looking assessment of the agricultural economy. He highlighted how lower crop prices, elevated input costs, and policy-driven uncertainty are pressuring farm margins across major commodities. Suderman also examined global market dynamics, geopolitical risks, and tariff and trade considerations that will influence farmer profitability and grain-handling decisions in 2026.

Jason Hafemeister, Acting Associate Administrator for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, followed with a comprehensive trade outlook, outlining export drivers, geopolitical factors, and market-access opportunities that will shape global grain flows.

Rounding out the morning, Jacqui Fatka, Lead Economist for Farm Supply and Biofuels at CoBank, provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving biofuels landscape. Her presentation covered expanding renewable diesel capacity, shifting soybean crush economics, export opportunities for ethanol, and longstanding regulatory barriers affecting E15 adoption. Fatka also detailed key uncertainties surrounding EPA’s pending RVO and SRE decisions, as well as the emerging impact of the 45Z clean fuel production credit, sustainable aviation fuel policy, and new market opportunities, such as maritime fuels, that could reshape grain and oilseed demand in the years ahead.

“The challenges and opportunities we heard about today underscore why the CEC is such a critical forum for our industry,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “From market volatility and global competition to fast-moving developments in biofuels, our members are navigating an incredibly dynamic environment. Bringing the industry together at CEC equips us with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to stay ahead of change and support a resilient, competitive grain and feed supply chain.”

The afternoon breakout sessions provided focused, practical guidance for grain-handling professionals.

• From Intake to Impact: Managing Grain for Strategic End Uses, moderated by Dr. Berit Foss of NGFA, featured insights from Scott Strickland (CGB), MJ Anderson (The Andersons), and Chris Malone (IndigoAg) on traceability, documentation, and preserving grain attributes across the supply chain.
• The Mindset of Mexico, led by experts from TPAC Capital LLC, explored market dynamics, customer expectations, and strategic approaches for strengthening U.S.–Mexico grain partnerships.
• Technology Updates and Modernization in U.S. Grain Grading, featuring Nick Friant (Cargill) and Eric Jabs (USDA-FGIS), outlined advancements in inspection technology and opportunities to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency across the industry.

NGFA’s annual CEC brings together leaders from across the grain, feed, processing, and supplier sectors for education, networking, and a robust trade show. The event continues tomorrow with sessions focused on arbitration, transportation, risk management, and emerging industry challenges.

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