Commodity Classic 2026 Reflects Growth andOpportunity in Agriculture
More than 12,000 people from across agriculture gathered in San Antonio, Texas on February 25–27 for the 2026 Commodity Classic. The event, held at the Henry B. González Convention Center, set another attendance record and marked the second year in a row the conference has reached a new high. The continued growth of the show is an encouraging sign, suggesting that interest and engagement in agriculture remain strong—even as the overall number of farms in the United States continues to decline. The Commodity Classic is organized annually by several national commodity groups, including the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. With record attendance now four years in a row, including recent events in Orlando, Houston, and Denver, the Commodity Classic continues to grow as a gathering point for farmers across the country.
Farmers made up a large portion of the crowd, with more than 5,100 producers attending—about 43% of total participants. That strong farmer presence continues to make the event an important place for producers to connect, learn, and stay engaged in conversations that shape the future of agriculture.
While the Commodity Classic has long been associated primarily with large-scale commodity production—understandably, given its name and the commodity groups that organize it—there were also clear signs that the conversation around agriculture continues to broaden. The trade show floor included vendors and organizations focused on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, soil health, and ways farms and ag businesses can incorporate recyclable or reusable materials into their operations. The warm weather was an added bonus, and a welcome change from the Kansas weather I left behind for a few days.
Many exhibitors showcased tools, equipment, and services aimed at helping farmers improve efficiency while also addressing environmental concerns. From soil health practices to waste reduction and resource management, the range of topics reflected the growing diversity of approaches farmers are taking across the agricultural landscape. Organizations like Farmers for Monarchs were also present, highlighting ways farmers can incorporate pollinator habitat into working agricultural lands by establishing milkweed and other beneficial plants along field edges, waterways, and other underutilized spaces. Efforts like these demonstrate how conservation practices can fit alongside productive farming systems, helping support pollinators, strengthen ecosystems, and contribute to the long-term resilience of farms and rural landscapes.
Another encouraging sign was the presence of organizations and resources focused on farmer mental health, something that historically hasn’t always had a visible place at large industry events. With the stress and uncertainty that have always come hand-in-hand with farming, seeing mental health resources represented is an important step forward and highlights the growing recognition that supporting farmers also means supporting their personal well-being, not just the yield of their crops.
I also had the opportunity to attend an event focused specifically on women in agriculture. It was energizing to see space created for those conversations and for women farmers and agricultural professionals to connect. Women have always played a critical role in the success of farms and ranches—often managing finances, operations, and family responsibilities alongside the day-to-day work of farming—but that contribution hasn’t always received the recognition it deserves. Events like this help highlight the leadership and influence women bring to agriculture. The conference included more than 30 educational sessions covering issues ranging from farm policy and market outlooks to emerging technologies and management strategies. Attendees heard from farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers, including Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, who addressed participants during a general session and visited with exhibitors on the trade show floor.
For organizations like Kansas Rural Center that work with a wide range of producers, it was encouraging to see conversations around sustainability, regenerative practices, farmer well-being, and innovative farm enterprises represented alongside more traditional commodity-focused discussions. For those of us who work directly with farmers every day, it’s a reminder that agriculture isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that the future of farming will likely include many different approaches, scales, and business models.
Next year’s Commodity Classic will be held March 3–5, 2027, in New Orleans. Hope to see ya there!
Article by: Leslie Montee, Farm Business Navigator - Kansas Rural Center