Staying on top of change.

We'll be discussing "change" at the Agribusiness Forum. It's not a new topic, but it's certainly happening at a quickening pace.

Consider corn and soybean production. Look at how these industries have changed with the introduction and rapid adoption of biotechnology. It's hard to believe the biotech revolution began just ten years ago.

This summer we witnessed another revolutionary event--one that will have a major impact on U.S. agriculture. I'm referring to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The RFS dictates usage of 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels by the year 2012. It erases any remaining doubts about the future of ethanol production, and it's expected to spur another round of ethanol plant development across the U.S.

For corn growers, it means increased demand for their product. The percentage of our nation's corn supply used for ethanol production, currently around 15%, could eventually hit 25% or more--surpassing exports, and second only to livestock feeding as the number one consumer of corn. The use of bioplastics made from corn is also expected to take off, as petroleum prices continue to rise.

So what does this mean to us, as agri-marketers? Implications vary by sector, but if it affects the way U.S. farmers produce and market their products--and their profitability--you can bet it will impact us as well.

Staying on top of change. It's one of the reasons we belong to NAMA. See you at the Agribusiness Forum.