NGFA 2023-24 Annual Report

BACKGROUND

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), founded in 1896, is a diverse, broad - based, non- profit trade association that represents and provides services for grain, feed , processing, export and related commercial businesses.

NGFA members companies operate more than 8,000 facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds .

Affiliated with the NGFA are 2 7 state and regional associations

NGFA also has strategic alliances with the North American Export Grain Association and the Pet Food Institute.

MISSION

Advocate a global open market environment to efficiently produce and provide a safe, abundant, affordable, sustainable and wholesome supply of grain, oilseeds, feed and related products responsive to market demand. The NGFA focuses on member interests thro ugh representation, training, communication and education to members, government and the public.

PURPOSE

Be the premier provider of member services and advocate for competitive open market principles to promote the growth and economic performance of North American agriculture in a global

FROM THE NGFA CHAIRMAN

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has undergone several significant changes during the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for our member companies. This Annual Report provides a summary of the initiatives undertaken by NGFA- member companies and staff throughout the year, dedicated to “transforming America’s harvest.”

This report covers the new fiscal year for NGFA, from April 1, 2023, to March 30, 2024, with leadership lists reflecting the elections held just before the 2024 annual convention.

NGFA welcomed several new team members and introduced structural changes and internal systems. A notable achievement was the completion of the Committee Structure Task Force’s recommendations, with all new committees convening at the March 2024 annual conv ention. We look forward to continuing to highlight the important work of our committee volunteers and improving communication within committees and with our membership.

In Washington, D.C., NGFA collaborated with lawmakers and federal agencies to improve soybean grading standards, endorse new feed ingredient regulations, and garner support for critical waterways infrastructure, among other industry issues. Notably, in Dec ember, NGFA, alongside agricultural leaders, played a crucial role in re -opening rail crossings at the U.S. - Mexico border. The abrupt closures had a significant impact on the agricultural supply chain, and the Association worked tirelessly to resolve the issue for our members.

Additionally, NGFA’s conferences and events saw large turnouts, excellent programming, and strong support from sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteer speakers.

I am grateful for the support of Immediate Past Chairman Greg Beck and my fellow NGFA officers. I look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the more than 300 industry members who volunteer their time and talent to serve on NGFA’s Board of Directors and committees. Your dedication is the foundation of this Association.

Thank you for your company’s membership and support of NGFA.

Chris Boerm NGFA Chairman

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Augusto Bassanini United Grain Corporation

Jeff Bechard Central Valley Ag

Greg Beck CGB Enterprises Inc.

Chris Boerm Archer Daniels Midland

Wyatt Brummer Scoular

Kayla Burkhart Dakota Midland Grain LLC

William DeLong The DeLong Co. Inc.

Chris Faust Viserion Grain LLC

Paul Katovich HighLine Grain Growers Inc.

Jason Klootwyk Agtegra Cooperative

Bill Krueger The Andersons Inc.

Michelle Mapes Green Plains Inc.

Kellie Melton Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

Shay Rambur J.D. Heiskell & Co.

Brian Schouvieller CHS Inc.

Sheryl Wallace Cargill Incorporated

Eric Wilkey Arizona Grain

Mike Seyfert NGFA

*List represents members after the 2024 election.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Chairman Chris Boerm Archer Daniels Midland Company Decatur, Ill.

Second Vice Chairman

Augusto Bassanini United Grain Corporation Vancouver, Wash.

First Vice Chairman

Brian Schouvieller

CHS Inc.

St. Paul, Minn.

La.

COMMITTEES

Comprised of more than 300 dedicated industry volunteers from all types and sizes of member companies, NGFA committees work proactively for the mutual benefit of the industry. *Italicized name listed is the volunteer committee chair.

FINANCES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mitch Altermatt UFC - United Farmers Cooperative

Augusto Bassanini United Grain Corporation

Jeff Bechard Central Valley Ag Cooperative

Greg Beck CGB Enterprises Inc.

Terry Bline Grainland Farmers Cooperative

Chris Boerm Archer Daniels Midland Company

JoAnn Brouillette Demeter LP

Wyatt Brummer Scoular

James Burgum Arthur Companies

Kayla Burkhart Dakota Midland Grain LLC

Patrick Coyle COFCO International

Jim Dell ALCIVIA

William DeLong The DeLong Co. Inc.

Scott Docherty Western Grain Marketing LLC

Allen Douglass StoneX Group Inc.

Chris Faust Viserion Grain LLC

Tom Fernandes Grain Service Corporation

John Fletcher Central Missouri AGRIService LLC

Matt Frederking Mid America Pet Food

Bill Free Riceland Foods Inc.

Gary Gantz D.E. Bondurant Grain Company Inc.

Robert Geers Michigan Agricultural Commodities

Matt Gibson Gavilon Grain LLC

Kevin Gray Morrow County Grain Growers Inc.

Kimberly Hawks Louis Dreyfus Company

Mark Heil Prairie Central Cooperative

Lloyd Heimbecker Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd.

Beau Hepler Ray-Carroll Grain Growers

Jefferson Hillman J.D. Heiskell & Co.

Roger Hugenberg Ursa Farmers Cooperative Co.

Erik Huschitt Badger State Ethanol LLC

Corey Jorgenson Shell Rock Soy Processing LLC

Joe Kapraun GROWMARK Inc.

Paul Katovich HighLine Grain Growers Inc.

Scott Keller CoMark Equity Alliance LLC

STAFF

Michael J. Seyfert, President and Chief Executive Officer

Charles M. Delacruz , Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Max Fisher, Chief Economist and Treasurer

David A. Fairfield, Senior Vice President, Feed

Jess McCluer, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory

Jason Klootwyk Agtegra Cooperative

Alan Koenig Grain Craft

Bill Krueger The Andersons Inc.

Chuck Kunisch Michigan Ag Commodities

Nathan LaFerrier Southeast Farmers Coop

Stuart Letcher North Dakota Grain Dealers

Michelle Mapes Green Plains Inc.

Dian McGuire Midsouth Grain Association

Kellie Melton Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

Michael Miller Ardent Mills LLC

Brad Morrison Primient

Dan Mostad Berthold Farmers Elevator

Randal Olstad Pacific Northwest Farmers Coop.

Scot Ortman Kokomo Grain Co. Inc.

Shay Rambur J.D. Heiskell & Co.

Brian Schouvieller CHS Inc.

Ronald Seeber Kansas Grain & Feed Association

Mike Seyfert NGFA

Kyle Shermock Miller Milling Company LLC

Tim Simmons CGB Enterprises Inc.

Benjamin Smith Attebury Companies Inc.

Curt Strubhar Advance Trading Inc.

Dan Suarez Scoular

Mike Tate Bunge North America Inc.

Andrew Utterback Ingredion Incorporated

Jeff Van Pevenage Columbia Grain Inc.

Sheryl Wallace Cargill Incorporated

Tom Wapp POET Grain LLC

Eric Wilkey Arizona Grain Inc.

Jeffrey Wilson Zen-Noh Grain Corp.

*List represents members after the 2024 election

Rebecca Grubbs , Vice President, Marketing and Foundation Outreach

Stephanie See , Vice President, Legislative and Public Affairs

Mary Hitchcock, Vice President, Systems and Office Operations

Sarah Gonzalez, Director, Communications and Digital Media

Amelia Fitzgerald , Director, Marketing and Member Services

Trent Baker , Manager, Systems and Office Operations

Lauren Thrall, Manager, Legal Affairs and Arbitration

Staff Announcements

Lauren Thrall joined NGFA as manager, legal affairs and arbitration in August 2023

Trent Baker joined NGFA as Manager, Systems and Office Operations in October 2023.

Mary Hitchcock assumed the title Vice President, Systems and Office Operations. Rebecca Grubbs assumed the title Vice President, Marketing and Member Services.

Amelia Fitzgerald joined NGFA as director of marketing and member services in March 2024.

ARBITRATION

The Arbitration System is one of NGFA’s premier and most - used services, in which business -related disputes involving NGFA members are resolved in an impartial, knowledgeable, timely and cost - effective manner.

In 2023:

• NGFA Arbitration resolved over $17.6 million in claims and 46 new cases were filed.

• New Rail Arbitration Rules for the per- occurrence damages cap came into effect following the recommendation by the Rail Arbitration Appeals Panel and approval by the Board of Directors.

I n the first three months of 2024:

• Four new cases were filed

• 157 cases were pending (including four appeal cases and 18 cases with oral hearings) .

• NGFA assigned 25 cases to arbitration committees.

TRADE RULES

NGFA’s Trade Rules reflect and codify current trade practice and are designed to facilitate trade involving NGFA members. In 20 2 3 -2 4 :

• New Trade Rules came into effect following the recommendation by the Trade Rules Committee and approval by the Board of Directors. These included d egenderizing terms relied upon in the r ules and removal of outdated references to “open outcry” and “normal” business days.

• By special committee, NGFA monitored and declared the official annual “opening” of the mid - Mississippi River for commercial navigation on March 1 2, 2024

BARGE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT

The BDT system digitizes the process for trading, applying, and transferring ownership of barge - loads between companies. National Grain and Feed Digital Solutions (NGFDS), an organization affiliated with NGFA, oversees and administers the system.

As of March 2024 , 6 9 total companies ( 52 shippers and 1 7 barge lines ) are signed on as users of the system. A full list of all companies can be found by visiting ngfds.org/bdt - customer - network.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Committee Structure

NGFA implemented major changes to its committee structure according to the recommendations of the Committee Structure Task Force , established in 2023

NGFA Chairman Greg Beck (now the Executive Committee chair and immediate past chairman of the Board) and NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert notified members on Nov. 15 , 2023, of changes to the structure of NGFA committees.

The recommendations were developed by the NGFA Committee Structure Task Force and approved by the NGFA Board of Directors to align with the feedback from members during the five -year Long - Range Planning (LRP) exercise completed and approved by the Board of Directors. The formation of new committees and changes to former committees were finalized by the March 2024 annual convention, where all new committees convened . NGFA will continue to implement additional recommended changes to enhance the operation and function of all committees.

NGFA rename d the former Country Elevator Committee to the Business, Merchandising and Operations Committee to better reflect its scope and breadth of issues

NGFA establish ed the following new committees:

• Ag Policy and Legislative Affairs

• Communications, Marketing and Membershi p

• Feed

o This committee includes a Feed Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee and a Feed Manufacturing and Technology Subcommittee .

• Sustainability

• Trade and Crop Technology

o This committee includes subcommittees for Crop Technology and Trade

• Transportation and Logistics

o This committee includes subcommittees for Rail Shipper/Receiver, Motor Carrier, and Waterborne)

I nternal database system

To improve efficiency for its members, NGFA launched a new database and communications system in late 2023. The system allow s NGFA staff to streamline event registration, dues payments and external communications to NGFA members, among other functions.

NGFA also updated its email and website platforms in early 2024.

Communications Survey

NGFA launched a project in January 2024 to conduct an NGFA Communications Discovery and Analysis. The Communications, Marketing and Membership Committee serve d as the task force to help create and publicize a survey for all NGFA members.

2023 Photo Contest: David Baker, CGB

US- Mexico Rail Crossings

NGFA and the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) called for the reopening of rail corridors at Eagle Pass and El Paso during emergency advocacy efforts in December 2024. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) temporarily closed international rail crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, for several days “after observing a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains.” NGFA and NAEGA called for the reopening of the crossings to allow for the immediate passage of trains between the United States and Mexico. Staff and leaders at both organizations urged CBP to work with the agricultural industry, railroads and other federal partners to develop an “expedient solution that reopens this critical mo de of agricultural transportation for the U.S. and North American markets.” NGFA supported the introduction of a bill in February 2024 by Sen. Ted Cruz, R -Texas, the Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act, that would prohibit the federal govern ment from closing commercial ports of entry and diverting CBP staff from facilitating lawful commerce.

Common Carrier Obligation

NGFA supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S.2071), a bill introduced in 2023 by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D- Wisc., and Roger Marshall, RKan., that would better define Class I rail carriers’ common carrier obligation and establish specific criteria for the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to consider when determining whether a railroad is meeting this obligation to provide rail service.

Emergency Service Orders

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) in January 2024 issued final rules that strengthen its power to act during rail service emergencies. The final regulations contain several reforms advocated for and supported by NGFA. “The final emergency service rules issued today demonstrate that the Board has closely studied and thoughtfully considered the comments of industry stakeholders,” NGFA stated.

WATERWAYS

Lower Snake River Dams

After a 22- year - long legal dispute regarding the role of the Lower Snake River dams in salmon declines in the Columbia and Snake River system, the Biden administration on Dec. 14 , 2023, announced a $1 billion plan with environmental groups, four tribal governments and the states of Washington and Oregon. The settlement proposes that the administration help fund and conduct studies on “how the transportation, irrigation, and recreation se rvices provided by the four Lower Snake River dams could be replaced, to help i nform Congress should it consider authorizing dam breach in the future.”

NGFA issued a statement in December opposing any actions by federal or state governments that could result in breaching the Lower Snake River Dams , emphasizing the severe economic harm to the entire U.S. agricultural value chain.

In written testimony submitted on Jan. 30, 2024, to the House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee, NGFA expressed the concerns of the agricultural industry regarding the settlement deal

SOYBEANS OF OTHER COLORS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published final rules in July 2023 to remove “Soybeans of Other Colors” (SBOC) as a grading factor for determining soybean quality. NGFA supported the agency’s amendments to the U.S. Standards for Soybeans when the y were proposed earlier in the year.

NGFA, along with other representatives of U.S. soybean producers and grain traders requested that USDA remove SBOC as a grade - determining factor for describing the quality of soybeans (e.g., U.S. No 1 Yellow Soybeans, U.S. No. 2 Yellow Soybeans, etc.).

OSHA FEED POLICY

Heat Standard

OSHA is in the process of finalizing a proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. NGFA submitted comments to OSHA on Oct. 3 reiterating opposition to any broad federal regulation on heat that could place an undue regulatory burden on grain handling facilities Worker Walkaround Rule

In comments submitted Nov. 13 to OSHA, the NGFA joined a coalition of agriculture and business groups to urge OSHA to withdraw a proposal that would expand access for third parties to participate as employee representatives in OSHA inspections. OSHA issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a “Worker Walkaround Representative Designation” rule on Aug. 30. Among other issues, the proposed rule would open the door to union representatives at nonunion workplaces if an OSHA Compliance Safe ty and Heal th Officer (CSHO) determined the third party would positively impact the inspection.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Bank Capital Proposals

In comments submitted in January 2024 to federal banking agencies, the NGFA said proposals to overhaul bank capital rules would increase costs for accessing cleared derivatives markets. In September 2023, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) proposed a rule to increase the capital requirements applicable to large banking organizations and those with significant trading activity. The Board also issued a separate proposal that identifies and establishes risk - based capital surcharges for global systemically important bank holding companies (GSIBs). “If the proposals are implemented as currently drafted, NGFA is concerned GSIBs will cease providing futures commission merchant (FCM) services,” NGFA noted. NGFA and several other agricultural groups submitted comments in December outlining their concerns as an industry.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA Regulations and Policies: NGFA continued to provide information to members on ways to enhance their FDA compliance efforts. This included updating feed and food safety resources and guidance materials available on NGFA’s website and frequently interacting with FDA to discuss inspection outcomes and enforcement actions that were inconsistent with industry’s understanding of regulatory requirements. In addition, NGFA submitted extensive comments to FDA with recommendations on how to modernize the agency’s policies and practices to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of recalls. NGFA’s comments focused on enhancing the consistency, transparency, and communications associated with FDA’s recall processes.

Claims for Animal Food Products: NGFA supported the introduction of the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act (H.R.6687 and S. 1842) to establish a new category of nonnutritive animal food additives that provide production, health and environmental benefits. Although FDA on Feb. 2, 2024, announced it would revoke a decades - old regulatory policy that hindered nutritive feed ingredients from making production claims, the Innovative FEED Act is still needed so t hese feed ingredients can more efficiently become available to U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Animal Food Ingredient Approvals: NGFA advocated within Congress for additional appropriations for FDA to fully staff its animal food ingredient review teams and address the backlog of approving critical animal food ingredients. In doing so, NGFA stated that approval delays stifle the ability for the feed industry to innovate and address some of the most pressing health and nutrition challenges and opportunities in U.S. animal agriculture. NGFA further stressed that delays reduce choices in the marketplace, especially for farmers, ranchers, and consumers looking for innovative ingredients for the health and safety of their animals.

FEED POLICY AND SERVICES

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

NGFA was active at AAFCO meetings and activities to advocate for reasonable model regulations that are used by most states within their feed laws, promote efficient and costeffective processes to approve new ingredients for use in animal feed and pet food, and support meaningful label requirements for animal food. In addition, NGFA met numerous times with leaders from AAFCO and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) to discuss ways to better harmonize state feed laws a nd policies. NGFA also continued to interact with its affiliated state grain and feed associations to address state specific feed issues.

Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Prevention

NGFA continued to engage in forums with other industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to address the potential introduction of FADs, including African Swine Fever virus, into the United States by grain and feed products.

NGFA served as a member of the Feed Biosafety Committee established by the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) that has been charged to consider recommendations for:

1) incorporating feed biosecurity standard(s) associated with feed ingredient importation;

2) next steps to reduce risk of disease transmission through domestically sourced feedstuffs; and

3) practices and standards to reduce risk of pathogen transmission through transport of swine feed and ingredients.

Feed Education/Training

NGFA offered educational/training opportunities to members on how to comply with FDA requirements in a cost - effective manner. These efforts included partnering with Kansas State University to conduct three Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) training courses that provided FDA -recognized training to individuals on how to conduct hazard analyses and develop and implement preventive controls under FDA’s animal food preventive control regulation. In addition, NGFA launched five feed distance learning courses that address animal foo d safety and operations issues. Each course is delivered completely on- line, is self-paced, interactive, and accessible at any time.

NGFA continued to lead animal food - related activities within the FSPCA, which was established to develop and deliver educational materials and training programs to assist industry in complying with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)- related requirements. NGFA also served as a member on the Executive Advisory Board that assists in determining governance, policy and strategic direction for the FSPCA.

NGFA has a variety of feed and food safety educational and training materials that are available to its members.

These resources can be found at feed.ngfa.org.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

WORKPLACE SAFETY

Harvest Safety Week

NGFA’s fifth annual Harvest Safety Week, which took place Aug. 21-25, focused on “Safety as a Workplace Value” and the importance of building safe environments at grain handling facilities.

Participants shared safety materials and best practices by using #Harvest23 and #HarvestSafetyWeek with @ngfa on social media. NGFA created and shared the following resources:

• Safety as a Workplace Value – NGFA members discuss what valuing safety means to them in their working environments.

• Evolution of Safety in Grain Handling –NGFA members discuss how attitudes toward safety have shifted during their careers in agriculture.

• Harvest Hazards – NGFA members discuss harvest hazards and safety best practices.

• Hazard Identification Methods – Dawn Moninger, EHS director at J.D. Heiskell & Co., discusses serious to simple proactive hazard identification methods.

All NGFA safety training materials can be found at ngfa. org/safety.

Mlynek joins NGFA

Joe Mlynek, Progressive Safety Services LLC, began a consulting agreement with NGFA in 2023 In this role, he works with NGFA on a project-by-project basis to review and update NGFA safety programs; create new training materials; provide safety webinars; and assist with regional safety seminars as needed.

Mlynek also serves as a partner with Safety Made Simple and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and an Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST).

Safety as Workplace Value - NGFA Harvest Safety Week

CONVEY‘23

NGFA, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society and Grain Journal partnered to hold CONVEY’23 on July 20-21 Hosted in Omaha, Neb., CONVEY‘23 included an exhibitor trade show and sessions on regulatory, safety and operations issues for nearly 200 attendees.

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week

NGFA, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and the Grain Handling Safety Council (GHSC) , hosted the seventh annual weeklong safety outreach effort –Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week – on March 25- 29, 2024 The week help s raise awareness about grain handling and storage hazards and provide safety education and training.

C ompanies participate d by providing activit ies for employees on various hazard - prevention measure s Participants register ed for online seminars at StandUp4GrainSafety.org and shared materials with #StandUp4GrainSafety on social media .

NGFA’S ANNUAL CONVENTION

More than 650 industry members gathered in Orlando, Fla., for the NGFA’s 128th annual convention on March 17 - 19 , 2024. During the event, NGFA distributed several awards to industry volunteers, conducted business meetings of most of its committees and the Board of Directors, and recognized the results of its most recent election. The NGFA Distinguished Service Award was presented to Todd Kemp, who retired in February after 32 years on NGFA’s staff. NGFA Chairman Greg Beck (now the Executive Committee chair and immediate past chairman of the Board) presented an NGFA Service Award to Eric Wilkey, president of Arizona Grain, L LC, for his contributions as leader of the Committee Structure Task Force. Th e third annual “Randall C. Gordon Award for Excellence in Industry Service” was presented t o Bo DeLong, vice president at The DeLong Co., Inc.

20 2 4 COUNTRY ELEVATOR CONFERENCE

More than 530 industry members gathered at the Omni Louisville Hotel for NGFA’s 52nd annual Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show on Dec. 3- 5. NGFA Country Elevator Committee Chairman Paul Katovich, CEO of HighLine Grain Growers, welcomed grain mercha nts, elevator operators, feed manufacturers, processors, and grain industry suppliers to Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 3 - 5.

Pictured above : “Is it Scary or a Saving Grace? Generative AI and Real Talk on How it Could Impact Agriculture and Agribusinesses” with Jake Joraanstad, CEO & co - founder of Bushel.

NGFA 2024 ELECTIONS

NGFA members voted by electronic ballot before the March 2024 annual convention to elect:

• Chris Boerm as NGFA chairman,

• Brian Schouvieller as first vice chairman, and

• Augusto Bassanini as second vice chairman.

COMMITTEE APPRENTICE PROGRAM

The 2023 - 24 Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) class attended their annual “DC Experience” in June 2023 to visit with NGFA, government agencies and congressional lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

In February 2024, NGFA accepted 36 individuals into its 2024- 25 CAP class. CAPs attended the NGFA’s 128th annual convention in March.

Paul Maass, CEO and director of Scoular at NGFA’s annual convention on March 19.