Arkansas State University will host 32nd annual Agribusiness Conference on Feb. 11

This year’s conference will focus on Arkansas groundwater management, regulatory and legal developments shaping agricultural policy, and the outlook for U.S. farm policy and the upcoming farm bill.

All conference sessions will take place on campus at the Red Wolf Convention Center. Admission to the conference and luncheon is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. Detailed conference information and online registration are online at AState.edu/Agribusiness.

“The conference has become a significant networking event for alumni, students and friends of the College of Agriculture,” said Dr. Bert Greenwalt, co-founder of the conference and agricultural economics professor. “A new pre-conference reception will be held Tuesday evening in the on-campus Red Wolf Convention Center/Embassy Suites by Hilton. All conference guests are welcome to attend.”

The morning general session features four speakers: Edward Swaim, executive director, Bayou Meto Water Management District; Scott Irwin, professor of agricultural marketing, University of Illinois; Harrison Pittman, director, National Agricultural Law Center; and Joe Outlaw, director, Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy Center.

The noon luncheon will feature an address by A-State Chancellor Todd Shields.

Afternoon concurrent sessions cover the outlook for rice and cotton markets and developments at A-State’s University Farm and the College of Veterinary Medicine, which anticipates a fall semester opening.

The conference qualifies for continuing education credits according to the guidelines of the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy, Arkansas Certified Crop Advisors and Arkansas Agricultural Consultants, and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.