INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Dec. 9, 2025 – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) continued its 54th annual Country Elevator Conference (CEC) with a second full day of programming focused on arbitration, grain-handling risk, freight transportation, insurance trends, and the operational challenges grain and feed companies will face in 2026. Building on the economic and policy discussions from the previous day, today’s sessions provided attendees with practical tools to navigate commercial disputes, strengthen safety and compliance, and manage rising operational costs across the supply chain.

The first general session of the day brought together CEOs from across the milling and oilseed processing sectors for a panel titled MAHA’s Impact on the Grain, Feed, and Processing Industry. Moderated by NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert, the conversation featured Jane DeMarchi of the North American Millers Association (NAMA) and Devin Mogler of the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA). The group examined the status of the MAHA movement and discussed areas where their industries are aligned.

Seyfert then joined Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), for a fireside chat on freight rail and agribusiness priorities. Their discussion covered the regulatory landscape, ongoing service-performance efforts, and shared opportunities for deeper alignment between railroads and agricultural shippers. They also explored how improved communication and transparency can help ease bottlenecks and support the reliability of the broader export system.

The day’s final general session shifted to insurance and legal-system pressures with a panel titled How Legal System Abuse Drives Up Agribusiness Insurance. Moderated by Gina Ekstam of AssuredPartners, the conversation featured Nationwide Agribusiness Senior AVP of Risk Management Laramie Sandquist. Together, they examined the growing impact of nuclear verdicts, third-party litigation funding, and aggressive plaintiff-attorney tactics on insurance availability and affordability. The panel emphasized the proactive steps agribusinesses can take –such as strong documentation practices, enhanced safety programs, and disciplined risk management – to protect coverage and manage costs.

“Today’s sessions reinforced that operational resilience is just as important as market insight,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “From managing contracts and transportation challenges to protecting our businesses against rising legal and insurance risks, this event helps equip our members with the practical, hands-on knowledge they need to run safer, stronger, and more competitive operations.”

NGFA’s annual CEC brings together leaders from across the grain, feed, processing, and supplier sectors for education, networking, and a robust trade show.

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