NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 24, 2026 — The National Grain and Feed Association wrapped up its 130th annual gathering this week after bringing together over 700 agricultural industry executives from nationwide for three days of strategic discussions and policy planning in Nashville, Tennessee.
During the conference’s main sessions and committee gatherings, NGFA participants tackled the industry’s most urgent issues, including challenges with supply chain dependability, railroad and waterway transport effectiveness, unpredictable global markets, and current government regulations and policies.
The convention opened with transportation policy discussions led by Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs, who outlined the agency’s focus areas of service dependability, market competition, and regulatory equilibrium. His presentation to conference attendees highlighted transportation’s vital importance to grain and feed distribution systems and the need for ongoing cooperation between government regulators and private sector participants.
Monday’s main program included presentations from prominent industry executives such as Bunge CEO Greg Heckman, BNSF Railway president and CEO Katie Farmer, and Rob Dongoski, who leads Kearney’s global agriculture division. The speakers stressed the necessity of durable infrastructure, streamlined transportation systems, and preserving America’s competitive edge in international agricultural commerce despite changing trade patterns and global political tensions.
The convention’s final general session on Tuesday showcased Ardent Mills CEO Sheryl Wallace, political commentator Nathan Gonzales from Inside Elections, and NGFA chairman Chris Boerm, who stressed the need for active industry participation as lawmakers and federal officials deliberate significant policy matters, including farm legislation, infrastructure development, and trade regulations.
NGFA president and CEO Mike Seyfert emphasized a key message during the event: “From rail service and river reliability to market access, a resilient supply chain is the backbone of U.S. agriculture. NGFA members are committed to working with policymakers and other stakeholders to advance solutions that keep grain moving efficiently and maintain our global competitiveness.”
Committee sessions and policy conversations held during the convention solidified the organization’s lobbying focus areas for the coming year, which include boosting domestic consumption, enhancing export market strength, improving railroad service efficiency and dependability, promoting important legislative objectives, and establishing consistent, research-based regulations for grain and feed businesses. Conference participants also engaged in networking activities that strengthened NGFA’s position as the primary national representative for grain, feed, and processing enterprises.
The association’s next scheduled events include the Trading, Trade Rules, and Arbitration Seminar in April, CONVEY in August, and the Country Elevator Conference in December.
