USDA announces dates for 2016 Agricultural Outlook Forum

Dec 03, 2015

Two-day event has been held since 1923

Some big players in the realms of agriculture, economics and education will make their way to Virginia for the 92^nd Agricultural Outlook Forum, scheduled for February 25^th and 26^th in Arlington.

The meeting’s theme will be “Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition.”

The two-day event will shed light on the changing landscape of agriculture and the issues that contribute to the changes including drought, the avian flu outbreak, changes in demographics of farm families and technology.

The forum will feature guest speakers and different sessions aimed at tackling different agricultural issues facing American producers.

Speakers include Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, President of Purdue University and former Governor of Indiana Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden and Chief Economist Robert Johannson, who will provide the 2016 Agricultural Economic and Foreign Trade Outlook.

Speaker sessions include:

Food Price Outlook – The latest perspectives on food price inflation, the reasons for it and the impacts on consumers will be discussed.

Ag Talent Pipeline – The session will discuss the challenges facing agricultural employment. Enrollment numbers in undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t increasing enough to replace the current agricultural professionals who are reaching retirement.

Outlook for Organic Agriculture – The session will discuss the possibilities for organic agriculture and the challenges organic producers face while trying to meet market demands.

In addition to the speaker sessions, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden will host a networking workshop for new and beginning farmers, and a networking event exclusively for women.

Join the discussion and tell us if you’ll attend the Agricultural Outlook Forum. What kinds of information would you be looking to take away from the event?

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.