ABM'S executive breakfast.

The American Business Media Association's (ABM) Agri Council hosted its annual Executive Breakfast in conjunction with the FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. Joining ABM Agri Council Chairman Bill Newham, VP Vance Publishing (l to r) are speakers Brad Schu, director of Lifestyle Marketing, Land O'Lakes Purina Feeds, Doug DeVries, Sr. VP, Agricultural Marketing Worldwide, Deere & Co., and Glenn Stith, VP U.S. Branded Business, Monsanto.

Deere's DeVries said that today's commercial farmers are getting very big, very fast. He listed the following as the key external pressures on U.S. ag producers: globalization, ag products' industrial uses, government support and trade, food security requirements, traceability and alternative use demand for ag land.

Purina's Schu reported that 50% of the company's sales now come from the lifestyle/companion animal market. He said the horse industry has grown to become a $102 Billion business, pet food is a $34 Billion market, and deer hunting topped $65 Billion.