MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Great Lakes Crop Summit has announced keynote speakers for its event taking place January 25-26 at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant. Registration will open in October and more details will be posted at www.GreatLakesCropSummit.com.

Keynote Speakers are Gregg Doud and Damian Mason.

Doud is Vice President of Global Situational Awareness & Chief Economist at Aimpoint Research. He brings an unparalleled global perspective and economic expertise to the team. He works closely with members of the Executive Intelligence Network (EIN) and plays a major role in the development of its thought leadership priorities. Prior to joining Aimpoint Research, Gregg served in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the rank of U.S. Ambassador. He was one of the primary architects of the U.S.-China “Phase One” trade agreement. 

Gregg has previously served as President of the Commodity Markets Council, the leading trade association for commodity futures exchanges and their industry counterparts, where he worked to lead the industry in addressing global market and risk management issues. As a senior staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Doud helped craft the 2012 Senate Farm Bill working on international trade, food aid, livestock, and oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Doud served as Chief Economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for eight years and is a former market analyst for the U.S. Wheat Associates. 

Damian Mason  delivers crisp, current, ag commentary intersected with humor.  His positive, hilarious, straight talk resonates with ag audiences from across the spectrum.  

In addition to speaking at ag meetings, Damian produces and hosts “The Business of Agriculture” podcast and the “Do Business Better” podcast.  He hosts the “Cutting the Curve” Podcast with XtremeAG.farm. He is the author of multiple books. His two most recent are: “Do Business Better” and “Food Fear”. He’s also extremely active on social media.