The famous Wayne Gretzky is well known for saying, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the pick is going to be.” Taking a cue from Gretzky, attendees of the U.S. Grains Council’s annual meeting in Charleston, S.C., Feb 11-13, will discuss the issues of today while positioning for the opportunities of tomorrow.

As the world enters an era of dramatic growth in demand and shifts in consumer preferences, new investment and new strategic thinking in both food production capacity and infrastructure will be needed to maintain the United States’ competitive position. USGC Director of Global Programs Kimberly Karst and USGC Director of Global Strategies Erick Erickson will lead a free-wheeling discussion of these issues during the Council’s 10th International Marketing Conference and 53rd Annual Membership Meeting.

“New consumer demand, new policy and regulatory issues that arise, and changes in the nature of commodity movement will have a serious effect on what we grow, how we grow it and how we deliver it,” said Erickson. “While we cannot say for certain what, where or when the specific issues will arise, we need to look to tomorrow and skate to where the puck is going to be.”

Registration for the Council’s annual meeting is available online at www.grains.org. The hotel room block deadline ends tomorrow, Jan. 11. Register today and save your spot!