2016 Arkansas State Agribusiness Conference set for Feb. 10

Arkansas State University’s annual Agribusiness Conference, now in its 22nd year, is set for Feb. 10 and will focus on the agricultural economy, environmental law and regulation, business transition planning, trade policy and the commodity market outlook.

On-site registration will begin at 7:45 a.m. in the university’s Fowler Center. Lunch will be served in the Convocation Center at noon; afternoon sessions will follow, ending at 4 p.m.

The morning general session will feature five speakers and a panel discussion:
Stan Miller, an attorney and partner with ILP+McChain, Miller and Nissman, will discuss succession and estate-planning issues for agribusiness owners;

Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, will describe how the regulation of crop agriculture is evolving and discuss other environmental law issues;

Bob Cummings, COO of the USA Rice Federation, will give an update on agricultural and trade policy and how it is impacting the rice industry;

David Schweikhardt from Michigan State University will explain the economics and politics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and how it will impact U.S. agriculture; and

Jason Henderson, director of Extension at Purdue University, will review the agricultural finance situation and the outlook for the farm economy.

Luncheon speaker John Phipps is a farmer and commentator on the U.S. Farm Report – America’s longest-running farm television program.

Afternoon special-interest sessions include an update on Arkansas Department of Agriculture programs by the state’s Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward, three speakers on commodity market trends, and three presentations on poultry and beef industry issues.

Admission to the conference and luncheon is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. Link here for conference information and online registration info.