U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2018 Commodity Classic on Wednesday, February 28 in Anaheim, Calif.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2018 Commodity Classic held Feb. 27-March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. The General Session is scheduled for Wednesday morning, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Perdue is expected to share his vision for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) including his thoughts on a new Farm Bill, international trade, rural development and the role of agriculture in America’s food security and economic vitality.

Perdue came by his knowledge of agriculture the old-fashioned way: he was born into a farming family in Bonaire, Ga. From childhood, and through his life in business and elected office, Perdue has experienced the industry from every possible perspective. Uniquely qualified as a former farmer, agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator, and governor of Georgia, he became the 31st United States Secretary of Agriculture on April 25, 2017.

Perdue has served as a board member for the National Grain & Feed Association, and as president of both the Georgia Feed and Grain Association and the Southeastern Feed and Grain Association. Perdue has long-standing, close relationships with the leadership of the American Farm Bureau and has been recognized by the Georgia 4-H and FFA programs, among others, for his leadership in agriculture.

Perdue has been married to Mary Ruff Perdue for 44 years and has four adult children and 14 grandchildren. He and his wife have served as foster parents for eight children awaiting adoption.

Following Secretary Perdue’s keynote speech, the audience will hear an inspiring presentation from Army Ranger Keni Thomas, who was a member of the harrowing 1993 military mission in Somalia that was recounted in the movie Blackhawk Down.

The General Session will also include comments from the leaders of the five associations that present Commodity Classic: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic. In addition to the General Session, Commodity Classic offers Learning Centers, What’s New Sessions, Mini What’s New Sessions, Early Riser Sessions and the Commodity Classic Main Stage on the trade show floor. Commodity Classic also features a huge trade show, entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of America’s best farmers.

Detailed information on all educational sessions, the entire Commodity Classic schedule and online registration are available at www.commodityclassic.com. Attendees can register for all three days or choose one-day registration.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is produced by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and Association of Equipment Manufacturers.