Notes from the NC Commodity Conference
January 17, 2026
| Friends, This was my favorite kind of week. I spent the majority of my time meeting with people to talk about big ideas and learning more about North Carolina, and less time at my desk. Yesterday, I attended the NC Commodity Conference in Greenville and was reminded, once again, how strong the agriculture community is at bringing people together and how much perspective you can gain in just one day. The conference had a packed lineup, and I wanted to share a few takeaways that stuck with me. These reflections come primarily from talks by StoneX Financial Chief Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman and former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador and current President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation Gregg Doud. Neither talk offered simple answers, but both raised questions that I think are worth sitting with, especially for those of us thinking about agriculture and policy in North Carolina. 1. China’s interest in our midterm elections: While much of our focus right now is on North Carolina primaries and the upcoming midterms, one theme from Suderman’s talk was that global competitors are watching these elections closely as well. China’s interest isn’t partisan, but strategic. Control of Congress affects U.S. trade policy, energy and mineral access, foreign conflicts, and long-term economic direction, which are all issues with downstream effects for agriculture. I think an entire course will eventually be taught about the geopolitical tensions in the past five years, but it was clear from this talk that China has a vested interest in this year’s elections. Suderman highlighted China’s dominance in processed rare earth minerals and the broader geopolitical competition around resources, labor, and economic growth. With China facing an aging population and slowing workforce growth, its leadership is focused on expanding its economy by large measures and is watching U.S. policy choices closely. 2. GLP-1 impacts on the food system: I left this event with a big question on my mind: are we taking GLP-1 medications seriously enough as a long-term food system issue? They are all over social media and in popular discussion, but I believe it will still take some time for the implications on producers and processors to come into focus. One positive here is that proteins are having their moment in both GLP-1 discussions and in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That matters for livestock, dairy, and poultry states like North Carolina. A quick Google search about using these medicines with increased protein intake pops up tons of articles extolling the benefits of protein on preserving lean muscle mass as users lose weight. At the same time, Doud was very candid in his comments that those of us invested in the food supply should keep an eye on the trend of decreasing overall consumption that will occur as a side effect as access to GLP-1s becomes even easier. 3. Lower production costs start upstream with the supplier: High input costs remain a daily reality for producers. One theme that resonated was that cost relief won’t come from a single fix, but from coordination. That includes examining how tax, regulatory, and fiscal policies affect suppliers — and ensuring producers and suppliers are in regular conversation about what’s working and what isn’t. Equally important: making sure those conversations reach policymakers. There’s no silver bullet, but durable solutions tend to start with clear, grounded communication from the people closest to the problem. I also want to flag this news release that came out on Tuesday announcing the updated appointees to the North Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee. These committee members are vital in advising USDA on state needs, overseeing FSA farm programs and county committees, and informing producers about current FSA programs. The names on this list are highly regarded producers who have chosen to go above and beyond to serve our community, and we are grateful. One last note: we are nearly at capacity for the Farm Show Dinner on Feb. 5! Thank you to everyone planning to attend and support the mission of the NC Ag Partnership. I look forward to seeing many of you there in a few short weeks. Best regards, |
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| Tori Rumenik Executive Director, North Carolina Ag Partnership |