SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — January 5, 2026 — The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) is pleased to announce the 40th Annual SD Corn Conference on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. The event will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Attendees will enjoy complimentary daytime educational sessions from 10am-3pm led by nationally renowned experts in weather and market trends as well as a presentation on biofuels. SDCGA welcomes walk-in attendance at the educational sessions but requests pre-registration for a complimentary lunch.
Schedule of Events:
10AM: Event Kick-off by Daytime Moderator, Mike Pearson
10:10AM: Weather with Andrew Pritchard
11:20AM: Grain Marketing Outlook with Naomi Blohm
12:30PM: Complimentary Pork BBQ Lunch + Presentation by SDSU President Barry Dunn
01:45PM: Biofuels with Jake Comer
The evening event from 5:30-11pm is a ticketed event featuring fellowship and celebration including awards, a plated meal, and a silent PAC Auction. The evening event features Jeff Corle, a fourth-generation dairy farmer whose life took an unexpected turn when economic forces outside his control forced him to shut down his family dairy. Heartbroken and uncertain about the future, Corle found comfort in an old friend, his guitar.
Out of that painful season came the viral song “Empty Barn,” which quickly drew national attention and sparked an entirely new path. Today, Corle is an independent music artist sharing a story of resilience, reinvention, and the strength found in agriculture communities.
This year’s conference also marks a milestone anniversary—celebrating 40 years of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. Join us for a special celebration that honors the past while looking boldly toward the future.
The celebration continues as the 147th Army Band from the South Dakota National Guard takes the stage to perform favorite hits. Whether you want to catch up with friends, enjoy the music, or hit the dance floor, the night is yours.
About the South Dakota Corn Growers Association: Farmer Led and South Dakota Focused
South Dakota corn producers formed the SDCGA membership organization in 1986 to serve as a collective voice on issues at the state and national levels. The state is divided into nine districts for representation. SDCGA board of directors are elected by fellow South Dakota corn producers from their respective districts. SDCGA meets annually to pass resolutions and hold board elections.
