GFAI 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show
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Reimagine The Road Ahead!
February 16-18, 2025 Crowne Plaza Springfield: 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703 Take a trip on Route 66 to Springfield, IL and join us for the 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show! Convention is the perfect opportunity to help you and your company "Reimagine the Road Ahead" through educational sessions, motivational and impactful speakers, networking with others in the grain and feed industry and learning about the latest and greatest products from our exhibitors. |
Thank You Convention Sponsors!
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Platinum Sponsors
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Gold Sponsors
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Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Attendee Registration
Registration Fee $205; Non Member: $245 Spouse Fee: $85 On site registrations available: Sunday-Tuesday -- $205 Monday Only -- $160 Trade Show Only option -- $85 
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Support the GFAI Scholarship Fund!
Don't forget to add a Draw Down Raffle Ticket to your registration to support the GFAI Scholarship Fund! Only 200 tickets sold. 1st place winner receives $2,500. Tickets can be added to your registration or click on the ticket to purchase tickets: $50 a ticket. 
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Convention Entertainment!
Scholarship Meet & Greet: Meet the current GFAI Scholarship Recipients at a reception in the trade show. Sunday 4:45 - 5:45 pm at the Scholarship Table inside the Trade Show. The first 150 people to stop by and talk with the scholarship students will receive a free gift!
Casino Night: Try your hand at Craps, Blackjack or Roulette and cash in your winnings for tickets to win great prizes. Free for convention registrants. Not a gambler? Stop by to visit and have an after dinner drink and wind down the evening. Sunday 8:30-10:30 pm (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Live and Silent Auction: Visit the Silent Auction Table in the Trade Show. Bidding will close on Monday at 4:45 pm.
Bid on a Dickey John GAC 2700-UGMA Moisture Tester at the Live Auction during the Monday Morning General Session!
~Donated by Seedburo Equipment Company
Scholarship Meet & Greet: Meet the current GFAI Scholarship Recipients at a reception in the trade show. Sunday 4:45 - 5:45 pm at the Scholarship Table inside the Trade Show. The first 150 people to stop by and talk with the scholarship students will receive a free gift!
Casino Night: Try your hand at Craps, Blackjack or Roulette and cash in your winnings for tickets to win great prizes. Free for convention registrants. Not a gambler? Stop by to visit and have an after dinner drink and wind down the evening. Sunday 8:30-10:30 pm (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Live and Silent Auction: Visit the Silent Auction Table in the Trade Show. Bidding will close on Monday at 4:45 pm.
Bid on a Dickey John GAC 2700-UGMA Moisture Tester at the Live Auction during the Monday Morning General Session!
~Donated by Seedburo Equipment Company
Sessions and Speakers
Monday Morning Keynote Speaker (Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms, 2nd Floor)
Kevin Ochsner, TV Host, Rancher & Agribusiness Consultant
Kevin is the founder and President of Agcellerate, LLC, an agribusiness consulting firm focused on providing strategic planning, keynote speaking and management training services to agribusinesses. Prior to founding Agcellerate in 2014, he spent 23 years with Indianapolis-based consulting company Agri Business Group. In addition to his consulting practice, Kevin also hosts NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, a TV show seen weekly on RFD-TV. He remains active in production agriculture managing a herd cattle, corn, and alfalfa, and helping his wife grow their direct-to-consumer beef business, Ochsner Tender-Raised Beef.
Aligned for the Times
The road ahead for the agribusiness industry is full of twists and turns. From industry consolidation, volatile commodity markets and labor shortages to global trade policy, climate change and shifting political and regulatory landscapes, the agribusiness industry has significant challenges to navigate. The central question for today’s business leaders is: “How can we anticipate and capitalize on these changes while driving our business forward?” In this keynote presentation, Aligned for the Times, Kevin Ochsner will discuss some of the drivers of change in the agribusiness industry and offer suggestions on how to successfully navigate the road ahead. Attendees will leave with new perspectives on key issues and trends facing our industry along with practical insights into how to develop business strategies to capitalize on the opportunities those changes present regardless of the obstacles or detours that may lie ahead. Whether you're steering a small family farm, a large cooperative or a multinational agribusiness, this session will provide the tools to navigate the changing landscape with confidence, purpose, and vision.
Kevin Ochsner, TV Host, Rancher & Agribusiness Consultant
Kevin is the founder and President of Agcellerate, LLC, an agribusiness consulting firm focused on providing strategic planning, keynote speaking and management training services to agribusinesses. Prior to founding Agcellerate in 2014, he spent 23 years with Indianapolis-based consulting company Agri Business Group. In addition to his consulting practice, Kevin also hosts NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, a TV show seen weekly on RFD-TV. He remains active in production agriculture managing a herd cattle, corn, and alfalfa, and helping his wife grow their direct-to-consumer beef business, Ochsner Tender-Raised Beef.
Aligned for the Times
The road ahead for the agribusiness industry is full of twists and turns. From industry consolidation, volatile commodity markets and labor shortages to global trade policy, climate change and shifting political and regulatory landscapes, the agribusiness industry has significant challenges to navigate. The central question for today’s business leaders is: “How can we anticipate and capitalize on these changes while driving our business forward?” In this keynote presentation, Aligned for the Times, Kevin Ochsner will discuss some of the drivers of change in the agribusiness industry and offer suggestions on how to successfully navigate the road ahead. Attendees will leave with new perspectives on key issues and trends facing our industry along with practical insights into how to develop business strategies to capitalize on the opportunities those changes present regardless of the obstacles or detours that may lie ahead. Whether you're steering a small family farm, a large cooperative or a multinational agribusiness, this session will provide the tools to navigate the changing landscape with confidence, purpose, and vision.
Monday Morning Educational Breakout Sessions (11:15 - 12:00 pm)
OSHA-Prep Manual: Road-Tested Tips for Safety Compliance (Governor Room 3rd Floor)
Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, OSHA
This session is your roadmap to OSHA compliance! You’ll learn how to navigate the twists and turns of OSHA regulations, including proactive steps to take before a site visit, what materials and information you’ll need to have on hand, and how to avoid costly violations. Brian will share practical tips for grain facilities to stay on track with safety regulations. Whether you’re crossing a few miles or managing operations on a nationwide scale, this session will provide road-tested tips and tools to keep your team safe and your facility compliant with OSHA standards.
Steering Your Co-Op: Governance on the Open Road (Emerald Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Scott Luecal, Owner and Founder of Luecal Consulting
Just as a road trip needs a clear map, this session will help cooperative board members navigate their roles and legal duties, master the principles of good governance, and drive meaningful conversations that keep the engine of your cooperative running smoothly. Scott will also explore the key difference between governing and managing, ensuring that you’re steering your co-op in the right direction. Buckle up for an insightful ride that will help you stay on track and avoid governance detours! This session is perfect for board members looking to strengthen governance and improve their co-op’s strategic direction.
Roadmap to Building Strong Teams: HR Insights for the Grain Industry (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Cathy Green (Talent Specialist, River Valley Cooperative), Barb Koehnke (CEO, Maplehurst Farms Inc.), Shelly Juhl, (HRIS Technology and Development Manager, Prairieland FS, Inc.) and Moderated by Laura Davis (Brandt)
Take a trip with our HR panel as they share their insights on hiring, onboarding, and training new employees as well as other challenges in human resources in the grain industry. This collaborative, panel-style discussion will explore strategies for building strong teams and fostering a positive workplace culture, all while navigating the unique challenges of talent development in agriculture. Join us for a journey down the road to success!
Monday Afternoon Educational Breakout Sessions (1:30 - 2:15 pm)
Aeration Roadblocks and Pot Holes (Governor Room 3rd Floor)
Tom Nealy, Founder of AGRI Engineering, PLLC and Warren Odekirk, Project Manager at GROWMARK and AGRI Engineering
In this session, we’ll navigate the common aeration challenges that can throw you off course, just like unexpected roadblocks on Route 66. We will demonstrate how fines impact airflow, how over-spaced ventilation can derail efficiency, and the effect of fan run time on energy use and grain quality. Whether you're troubleshooting or optimizing your system, this session will provide practical insights to keep your aeration systems running smoothly – no detours necessary!
Gear up for Growth: Driving Change with Illinois Agri-Women (Emerald Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Kelsey Neville, President of IAW and Deb Shulz, past President IAW
IL Agri-Women is a statewide organization for women in agriculture from all walks of life, from agri-business women to producers and everywhere in between. Learn about the educational opportunities available through the organization, as well as the networking and connection opportunities that will fuel your journey and accelerate your personal and professional growth. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and keep your career on the fast track, just like a classic road trip down Route 66.
Rev Up Your Response: Leveraging Media in Times of Crisis (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Amy Bradford, Founder/CEO, Bradford Consultant Group
This presentation explores the evolution of media and its impact on crisis communication, highlighting key data on the shift from traditional channels, such as television and print, to the rapid rise of digital platforms and social media, while emphasizing their role in shaping public perception. While digital platforms are helpful in many instances, selecting the right communication channel, managing misinformation, and maintaining credibility in a fast-paced digital environment is critical. You will learn some actionable strategies for effectively navigating the modern media landscape to deliver timely and accurate information during critical moments.
OSHA-Prep Manual: Road-Tested Tips for Safety Compliance (Governor Room 3rd Floor)
Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, OSHA
This session is your roadmap to OSHA compliance! You’ll learn how to navigate the twists and turns of OSHA regulations, including proactive steps to take before a site visit, what materials and information you’ll need to have on hand, and how to avoid costly violations. Brian will share practical tips for grain facilities to stay on track with safety regulations. Whether you’re crossing a few miles or managing operations on a nationwide scale, this session will provide road-tested tips and tools to keep your team safe and your facility compliant with OSHA standards.
Steering Your Co-Op: Governance on the Open Road (Emerald Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Scott Luecal, Owner and Founder of Luecal Consulting
Just as a road trip needs a clear map, this session will help cooperative board members navigate their roles and legal duties, master the principles of good governance, and drive meaningful conversations that keep the engine of your cooperative running smoothly. Scott will also explore the key difference between governing and managing, ensuring that you’re steering your co-op in the right direction. Buckle up for an insightful ride that will help you stay on track and avoid governance detours! This session is perfect for board members looking to strengthen governance and improve their co-op’s strategic direction.
Roadmap to Building Strong Teams: HR Insights for the Grain Industry (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Cathy Green (Talent Specialist, River Valley Cooperative), Barb Koehnke (CEO, Maplehurst Farms Inc.), Shelly Juhl, (HRIS Technology and Development Manager, Prairieland FS, Inc.) and Moderated by Laura Davis (Brandt)
Take a trip with our HR panel as they share their insights on hiring, onboarding, and training new employees as well as other challenges in human resources in the grain industry. This collaborative, panel-style discussion will explore strategies for building strong teams and fostering a positive workplace culture, all while navigating the unique challenges of talent development in agriculture. Join us for a journey down the road to success!
Monday Afternoon Educational Breakout Sessions (1:30 - 2:15 pm)
Aeration Roadblocks and Pot Holes (Governor Room 3rd Floor)
Tom Nealy, Founder of AGRI Engineering, PLLC and Warren Odekirk, Project Manager at GROWMARK and AGRI Engineering
In this session, we’ll navigate the common aeration challenges that can throw you off course, just like unexpected roadblocks on Route 66. We will demonstrate how fines impact airflow, how over-spaced ventilation can derail efficiency, and the effect of fan run time on energy use and grain quality. Whether you're troubleshooting or optimizing your system, this session will provide practical insights to keep your aeration systems running smoothly – no detours necessary!
Gear up for Growth: Driving Change with Illinois Agri-Women (Emerald Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Kelsey Neville, President of IAW and Deb Shulz, past President IAW
IL Agri-Women is a statewide organization for women in agriculture from all walks of life, from agri-business women to producers and everywhere in between. Learn about the educational opportunities available through the organization, as well as the networking and connection opportunities that will fuel your journey and accelerate your personal and professional growth. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and keep your career on the fast track, just like a classic road trip down Route 66.
Rev Up Your Response: Leveraging Media in Times of Crisis (Ruby Ballroom 2nd Floor)
Amy Bradford, Founder/CEO, Bradford Consultant Group
This presentation explores the evolution of media and its impact on crisis communication, highlighting key data on the shift from traditional channels, such as television and print, to the rapid rise of digital platforms and social media, while emphasizing their role in shaping public perception. While digital platforms are helpful in many instances, selecting the right communication channel, managing misinformation, and maintaining credibility in a fast-paced digital environment is critical. You will learn some actionable strategies for effectively navigating the modern media landscape to deliver timely and accurate information during critical moments.
General Session Speakers
Monday Afternoon (Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms)
The Road Ahead: Shaping an Ag-Centric Transportation System
Todd Main, Director of Market Development, IL Soybean Association
Join Todd Main from the Illinois Soybean Association as he takes us on a "road trip" through the future of Illinois agriculture. With Illinois leading the U.S. in soybean production, maintaining strong transportation infrastructure is key to driving growth. This session will cover the state’s aging roads, rails, and waterways, and maps out a path for resilience and expansion. Learn about efforts to enhance capacity, open new export routes, and ensure sustainable growth, all while keeping Illinois on the fast track to global competitiveness.
2:45-3:30; Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms
Tuesday Morning: (Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms)
Highways and Hurdles: Political Shifts in Ag for 2025
Anthony Reed, Partner, FGS Global
In this session, we’ll explore the shifting political climate and its impact on the agricultural industry, taking you down the road to understanding the future of trade, environmental regulations, and more. Just like the iconic Route 66, the landscape of agriculture is always evolving, and the recent election has paved the way for new political priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared, and ready for the journey ahead!
“Who’s Driving the Car?!?”
Chuck Benson, Market Intelligence Lead – BASF US Agricultural Solutions
With four active generations in the workplace that all have different motivations and experiences, creating an environment that works for everyone can be challenging. Join us as we unpack those differences that make these groups unique, and, more importantly, ideas to develop cross generational teams that work.
“From Customer Service to Customer Experience: Lessons from Route 66 on Building Loyal Customers”
Greg Martinelli, Founder, Ag Sales Professionals
Since 1926, Route 66 has become the iconic road trip avenue for America. Even after a competitor (Highway 40) was built in 1956, Route 66 still holds a special place in our hearts. Greg will cover some of the methods businesses along Route 66 used to build it into the brand that it is. More importantly, he will share examples of how these strategies can be applied to grain origination and sales and more at your company. Route 66 wasn’t just concrete and center lines; it signified the freedom of the open road and encapsulated the American experience and way of life. Join Greg as he discusses how you can use these methods in your grain facility, feed mill, or agribusiness to gain and retain more customers.
The Road Ahead: Shaping an Ag-Centric Transportation System
Todd Main, Director of Market Development, IL Soybean Association
Join Todd Main from the Illinois Soybean Association as he takes us on a "road trip" through the future of Illinois agriculture. With Illinois leading the U.S. in soybean production, maintaining strong transportation infrastructure is key to driving growth. This session will cover the state’s aging roads, rails, and waterways, and maps out a path for resilience and expansion. Learn about efforts to enhance capacity, open new export routes, and ensure sustainable growth, all while keeping Illinois on the fast track to global competitiveness.
2:45-3:30; Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms
Tuesday Morning: (Diamond/Sapphire Ballrooms)
Highways and Hurdles: Political Shifts in Ag for 2025
Anthony Reed, Partner, FGS Global
In this session, we’ll explore the shifting political climate and its impact on the agricultural industry, taking you down the road to understanding the future of trade, environmental regulations, and more. Just like the iconic Route 66, the landscape of agriculture is always evolving, and the recent election has paved the way for new political priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared, and ready for the journey ahead!
“Who’s Driving the Car?!?”
Chuck Benson, Market Intelligence Lead – BASF US Agricultural Solutions
With four active generations in the workplace that all have different motivations and experiences, creating an environment that works for everyone can be challenging. Join us as we unpack those differences that make these groups unique, and, more importantly, ideas to develop cross generational teams that work.
“From Customer Service to Customer Experience: Lessons from Route 66 on Building Loyal Customers”
Greg Martinelli, Founder, Ag Sales Professionals
Since 1926, Route 66 has become the iconic road trip avenue for America. Even after a competitor (Highway 40) was built in 1956, Route 66 still holds a special place in our hearts. Greg will cover some of the methods businesses along Route 66 used to build it into the brand that it is. More importantly, he will share examples of how these strategies can be applied to grain origination and sales and more at your company. Route 66 wasn’t just concrete and center lines; it signified the freedom of the open road and encapsulated the American experience and way of life. Join Greg as he discusses how you can use these methods in your grain facility, feed mill, or agribusiness to gain and retain more customers.
Convention Agenda
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Sunday, February 16
Exhibitor Set Up & Registration 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Trade Show Open 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Scholarship Meet & Greet 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm Reception in the Trade Show 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Exhibitor Lightning Talks --NEW! 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Casino Night at Hotel 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm *Free event to all convention registrants |
Monday, February 17
Registration 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Legislative Council For Better 7:30 am - 8:30 am Government Breakfast (ticketed event) Trade Show Open 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Breakfast 7:30 am - 9:00 am General Session, Annual 9:00 am - 11:00 am Meeting, Live Auction Educational Sessions 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Lunch in the Trade Show 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Educational Sessions 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Break in the Trade Show 2:25 pm - 2:45 pm Afternoon General Session 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Reception in the Trade Show 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Draw Down Raffle Drawing 4:30 pm Silent Auction Closes 4:45 pm Exhibitor Tear Down 5:00 pm |
Tuesday, February 18
Breakfast 7:00 am - 9:00 am Closing General Session 8:00 am - 10:30 am |