Commodity Classic Celebrates 30 Years with Industry Insights

Sorghum Checkoff announces human health trials, biofuels policies gain clarity, and Peterson Brothers set yield records

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:39am

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The 30th anniversary Commodity Classic in San Antonio featured a range of announcements and insights from industry leaders. Highlights include the Sorghum Checkoff investing in human health research, updates on biofuels policies, and the Peterson Brothers achieving record-breaking yields with Pioneer seeds.

Why it matters

The Commodity Classic is a major annual event for corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum producers, providing a platform for industry updates, innovations, and networking. The news and developments shared at this year's milestone event offer valuable insights into the state of the agriculture industry and emerging trends that will impact farmers.

The details

At the Commodity Classic, National Sorghum Checkoff chairwoman Kim Baldwin announced four-year human clinical trials examining sorghum's health benefits, expanding the crop's applications beyond traditional livestock feed. Arlen Suderman, chief commodities economist of StoneX, analyzed Chinese soybean purchases, noting economic challenges compared to Brazilian alternatives. On the biofuels front, Clean Fuels Alliance America's Kurt Kovarik shared that the Treasury Department released guidance for the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, while the EPA proposed robust volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Peterson Brothers from Nebraska showcased their exceptional 2025 harvest results, achieving 131 bushels per acre in soybeans and 313 bushels per acre in corn.

  • The 30th anniversary Commodity Classic was held in San Antonio, Texas.
  • The Treasury Department released guidance for the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit on February 4, 2026.
  • The EPA proposed robust volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026-2027.

The players

Kim Baldwin

National Sorghum Checkoff chairwoman.

Arlen Suderman

Chief commodities economist of StoneX.

Kurt Kovarik

Vice President, Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Dalton, Creighton, and Ashton Peterson

Farmers from the Peterson and Sons farming operation in Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.