TEGMA's recently created Issues Committee met in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the course of the association's annual meeting to review current industry issues. Discussion topics included these items:
- Grain grades - concerns voiced over inter-market differences, in particular between the interior and the gulf.
- DDGS - whether the group should provide input on the futures contract being developed by the CME Group. (See related article announcing the new contract terms.)
- Credit issues - seeking further information on whether there is a central group addressing issues of creditworthiness.
- Rail car residues - including issues of "contamination" on cars returning from Mexico and clean-out procedures for rail cars that have been used for ruminant feed.
- Industry Track Agreements - concerns over liability issues.
The Issues Committee serves as a clearinghouse for issues raised by TEGMA members. Those meriting further action are forwarded to the TEGMA Board for further consideration. TEGMA Chairman Bob Knief notes that the association has long seen itself as constructive venue for the grain and transportation sectors to raise issues of mutual concern pertaining to business and operational issues.
Kneif said any TEGMA member who would like to suggest an issue for consideration should forward that matter to Bob Petersen at bob.petersen@tegma.org. Members of the Issues Committee include: Bob Knief, Bartlett Grain Co.; Pete Goetzmann, ADM Grain Company; Bryan Gustafson, Gavilon Grain; Roger Fray, West Central; Matt Franko, CIT Rail; and Shane Berrett, DeBruce Grain.