While the production of ag goods is vital to the country, it does little good if there are obstacles in reaching the intended destination, which was evidenced by the shortages during the height of COVID-19.

To address potential challenges, opportunity and new development in global logistics of the ag supply chain, growers, industry professionals and carrier representatives — along with state, regional and federal officials — are gathering March 13-14 for a Midwest conference, Transportation Go!.

The third annual conference, hosted by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), will be at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel in Toledo, Ohio.

SSGA chair Bob Sinner of SB&B Foods in North Dakota says as an ag shipper, the conference is one of the most important meetings his business will attend.

“This well-known conference has captured the attention from federal officials, including the Federal Maritime Commission and Surface Transportation Board, who engage in vital conversations on how to improve the movement of our products,” he says.

Together and through a robust agenda featuring high-level speakers, attendees will discuss challenges and opportunities for agricultural freight moved on intermodal, rail and ocean lanes. Tours of nearby port facilities are also being planned.

Return to Great Lakes area

After a successful event in Omaha, Neb., in March 2023, Transportation Go! is making its much anticipated return to the Great Lakes area. Transportation Go! was held in Milwaukee in 2022, following the inaugural event — known then as the Northern Commodity Transportation Conference — which took place in 2020 in Minnesota.

“Attendees should come prepared to learn and explore as they experience a revitalized Toledo offering fantastic dining and entertainment throughout the city that will surely make for a unique and enjoyable visit,” says Joseph Cappel, vice president of business development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. 

Several organizations have already committed to sponsoring the event, including the Ohio Soybean Council, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, North Dakota Soybean Council, Illinois Soybean Association, and South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Registration is now open at transportationgo.com. The early-bird registration rate of $375 is available through Jan. 31. Airline flight connections are recommended through Detroit.

Sponsorship information is available at transportationgo.com/sponsors.

SSGA’s annual meeting will be held in the same location March 12. Board of directors elections will be held, and the annual SSGA Alliance Honors will be presented at the meeting. The annual meeting is free for members, but registration is requested. Nonmembers can register for $55.

Source: Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance