For Ohio farmer Scott Metzger, Commodity Classic isn't just another conference—it's where agriculture's future gets shaped by the people who know farming best.
“It’s a great venue that offers a lot of opportunity for grower leaders,” said Metzger, who began serving as president of American Soybean Association at the end of 2025. “It's a farmer-driven conference where you can walk the trade show floor in the morning, attend policy sessions at lunch, and network with growers from across the country—all in one place.”
The Classic is set to launch Feb. 25-27 as farmers nationwide prepare to descend on San Antonio, Texas. You can still register to attend by visiting the Commodity Classic website.
Metzger, who farms in Ohio, recalled feeling in awe at his first Commodity Classic in 2011.
“It was a great experience,” said the farmer. “As a younger farmer I loved being exposed to all the new products, resources, and equipment coming out. But even more important, it was meeting the people and interacting with them.”
Learning sessions add value
If you’re new to Commodity Classic, what’s the best way to spend time there?
“It’s the learning sessions,” said Metzger. “No matter what your interests are, that’s the biggest bang for your buck -- being able to talk to leaders putting on those sessions and having a dialogue with them.”
To help farmers forge a trail through the commodities market, Farm Progress, Farm Futures and Channel Seed will present: “Bull or Bear? This is More Than an 8-Second Ride,” at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25. At this early riser session grain marketing experts Ed Usset and Ted Seifried provide outlook and analysis to help farmers hold their seat in the 2026 market rodeo. Whether you're hedging for the first time or refining your strategy, this session delivers actionable insights for navigating volatile markets.
Usset, University of Minnesota economist and author of Grain Marketing is Simple: It’s just not Easy, and Seifried, vice president of Zaner Ag Hedge, are seasoned veterans who can help farmers understand the complexities of the grain markets.
Farm Progress and Channel Seed also team up to rope “Profit Planning Strategies for Today’s Farm Operations,” at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. This learning center session, hosted by Mike Pearson of This Week in Agribusiness, focuses on practical profit strategies in marketing, agricultural climatology and agronomy. Guests are Seifried; Tyler Vreugdenhil, technical agronomist for Channel; and Aaron Wilson, state climatologist, and ag weather specialist at Ohio State University.
The show floor connects over 400 exhibitors focused on row crop products and services with America's farmers, offering hands-on access to the latest equipment, technology, and innovations.
Association meetings, awards celebrations, and PAC (Political Action Committee) events take place throughout the week. Farmer leaders can make an impact by discussing and debating the latest policy issues and opportunities. Those discussions can lead to better profits on the farm, said Metzger.
“In the political world a lot takes place in D.C. that will impact what’s going on back at the farm, whether it’s EPA, regulatory, or the farm bill,” he said. “It’s important for growers to be involved in their farm organizations. At Commodity Classic they can get firsthand knowledge of what ASA is doing on Capitol Hill.”
Policy wins that pay off
Farmer involvement translates to farm benefits, but the payoffs can be indirect. The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, for example, is a U.S. tax incentive for biofuel producers that, through a proposed 2026 guidance, would benefit soybean farmers by boosting demand for domestic, low-carbon intensity oilseed feedstocks.
“The language around 45Z should be positive news for soybean farmers as it means more access to fuels that utilize soybeans,” he said. “With our trade loss to China, it will be important that we focus on domestic use of soybeans as well as continue to work with China and build new markets.
“Another highlight for soybean farmers is RVOs – Renewable Volume Obligation,” he added. “This is a mandated target for renewable fuels. We’re hoping for the final details to show a major increase in the number of gallons of biofuel being used by refiners and importers.”
Farmer leaders shine on stage
The General Session is a great time to hear from leaders of the five presenting organizations: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and Association of Equipment Manufacturers. You can join in on this event on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 3:30 p.m.
Full Conference Registration Includes Trade show access, Welcome Reception (Wednesday), Lunch (Thursday & Friday), Educational sessions (Learning Center, Early Riser, What’s New, Mini What’s New), Main Stage presentations and complimentary access to select session recordings.
The tradeshow will officially close at 3 p.m. on Friday. Download the schedule here.
“It doesn’t matter the size of your operation, the Commodity Classic is for everyone,” concluded Metzger.