Outgoing American Sugarbeet Growers Association President Neil Rockstad says growers remain focused on collaboration and optimism despite difficult market conditions. “It certainly is tough times, but I don’t see anybody in this crowd or across agriculture who’s giving up.” Rockstad is completing a two-year term as ASGA president, a period marked by sharp shifts in sugar market conditions. He said the organization remains positioned to advocate effectively on behalf of growers. “The market conditions changed drastically in 24 months,” Rockstad said. “Certainly not the way I would like to leave it, but the pieces are in place, the people are in the right places, and we’re having the right meetings to make sure there’s a bright future.” Rockstad added that while the ag industry is being heard in Washington, action often moves slower than farmers need as they prepare for another growing season.
