AgCareers highlights leadership planning as part of Agriculture and Food Roundtable Conference in August.
Succession planning is becoming one of the main factors driving hiring activity in the agriculture and food industry. Employers are preparing for retirements, career progression, and future skill needs by focusing on long-term workforce strategies.
According to insights from AgCareers, companies are now placing greater importance on retaining employees, preparing leaders, and planning for replacement roles. This approach helps them address labor challenges while ensuring business continuity.
To support these efforts, the AgCareers Agriculture and Food Roundtable Conference, scheduled for August 4 to 6, 2026, in Champaign, Illinois, will feature a special session on succession planning for sustainable growth. The session will be led by Jay Lux from FCCS Consulting, who specializes in organizational and leadership development.
“Succession planning is often misunderstood as a reactive measure, something to revisit only when a vacancy occurs, or an executive retires,” said Lux. “However, genuinely strategic organizations treat it as a continuous, year-round discipline that ensures leadership continuity, develops internal talent, and drives employee engagement,” adds Lux.
The session will focus on practical topics such as connecting business goals with talent planning, identifying key roles, and preparing employees for future responsibilities. It will also highlight ways to build strong succession plans that support growth, reduce risk, and improve organizational stability.
In addition, the discussion will address how to properly evaluate employee potential. Lux points out that strong personalities and communication skills may sometimes hide gaps in leadership ability or decision-making skills. Organizations must carefully assess both performance and long-term potential.
The AgCareers Roundtable Conference brings together industry leaders, educators, and employers to discuss workforce challenges, recruitment strategies, and industry trends. Participants gain useful insights and tools to strengthen their organizations.
Senior leaders can also take part in the Executive and Senior Leadership Forum, which offers focused learning opportunities to improve leadership skills and support future growth in the agriculture sector.
Photo Credit: AgCareers Agriculture & Food Roundtable Conference