By Andi Anderson
The 2024 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University, will take place on November 19 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.
This annual event, organized by Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), gathers agricultural and economic experts to discuss the key issues affecting Ohio’s agricultural economy, providing valuable insights for farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders.
According to Ian Sheldon, professor and holder of The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy, this year’s conference will examine Ohio’s evolving agricultural landscape, focusing on critical economic indicators essential for stakeholders.
Declining grain and oilseed prices are among the top concerns that will be discussed, along with farm input costs, export markets, and expectations for a new Farm Bill. “This conference provides a comprehensive look at the sector’s trends, helping stakeholders understand the agricultural outlook for the coming year,” Sheldon said.
The event will feature leading economists who will review 2024 and provide economic forecasts for 2025 at the national, regional, and local levels.
One highlight of the conference is a panel discussion titled “Farm Margins: Prospects and Coping Strategies for Lean Times Ahead.” Panelists will include Barry Ward, director of the Income Tax School for Ohio State University Extension, and Bruce Clevenger, CFAES associate professor and Extension field specialist, who will discuss strategies for managing reduced farm margins.
Additional presentations will cover various economic outlooks, including energy, labor, food retail, farm income, livestock, and trade. CFAES professors, along with Nationwide senior economist Ben Ayers, will provide insights on these sectors.
Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State’s vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean, will address attendees during the lunch session.
Sponsored by Ag Resource Management, this conference serves as a valuable forum for learning and networking, providing attendees with the latest information and trends impacting Ohio’s agricultural economy. To register and learn more about the conference, visit aede.osu.edu/outlook-conference.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, General