March 18, 2024
The Oklahoma City Regional Office recently represented RMA at the annual Commodity Classic in Houston. One of the biggest agricultural expos in the world, the event draws thousands of corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat growers with educational sessions, presentations, and a massive trade show.
“As a first timer, I had no idea how large scale the event is, and how many attendees there are,” explains Senior Risk Management Specialist Josh Dale. “They announced that this year was the biggest ever with over 11,000 participants. It was great to meet so many farmers and stakeholders.”
(L to R) Representing FPAC agencies- Special Projects Coordinator Caleb Gildea, Senior Loan Officer Matthew Christian, Legislative Affairs Specialist Toni Flax, Management and Program Analyst Gina Smith, Rangeland Management Specialist Charles Kneuper, RMA’s Joshua Dale and Franco Trevino, and Wildlife Biologist Manuel DeLeon, at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, February 29, 2024
“It was really fun to see all the innovation within agriculture,” Josh adds. “Company representatives were educating farmers on ways they can improve their operations.”
A native of southern Oklahoma who has been with RMA for more than 10 years, Josh was joined by Deputy Director Franco Trevino to man RMA’s booth at the trade show.
“We’re making a better, larger effort to be seen and heard by the public,” Franco tells me. “The Commodity Classic gives RMA an opportunity to reach a large and diverse attendee population to help them understand the role that RMA plays.”
Our agency accompanied NRCS and FSA in a shared display area, offering a sort of USDA one-stop-shop for growers.
Josh Dale and Franco Trevino represent RMA at the 2024 Commodity Classic Houston, Texas, February 29, 2024
“I think the Commodity Classic provided all FPAC agencies an opportunity to work in unison,” Franco says.
Having worked for USDA for about 21 years, five with RMA, he shared an example of the need to work closely across agencies.
“FSA brought a producer over to our table, and we were able to discuss information transfer between RMA and FSA that is creating a roadblock,” he explains. “The producer left with information that should allow her to apply for ERP in her County Office once FSA makes updates.”
Next year’s event takes place in Colorado and RMA will most certainly be there!
– Marcia
Marcia Bunger is the Administrator of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Prior to her appointment, she served as a County Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency. A native South Dakotan, Bunger is also the owner and operator of a 2000-acre farm, a cum laude graduate of Augustana College, and the first member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and first woman to serve as RMA Administrator.