Three topics likely on the minds of many N.C. farmers – the economy, input costs and water – also are on the minds of the speakers at the Ag Development Forum to be held Wednesday, Feb. 3. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual event in the Holshouser Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, where industry experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in 2011.
Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler presents the 2010 N.C. Exporter of the Year award to Jimmy Crews and Mike Lynch of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative at last year's Ag Development Forum.
This year’s keynote speaker is Matthew Martin, economist and senior vice president with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Charlotte branch, who will give an economic outlook on agriculture. Industry leaders will discuss the outlook for input costs, such as equipment, fuel, fertilizer and seed, in the coming year.
The forum also will include Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler’s State of Agriculture address and awarding of the N.C. Exporter of the Year.
In addition, Commissioner Troxler, along with other agriculture and conservation leaders, will present a new strategic plan for water resources in the state. The plan was created using data from a 2009 agricultural water-use survey.
The event is held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show, the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia. The Ag Development Forum is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. A complete agenda and registration information is available on the forum’s website.
What agricultural issues concern you for the coming year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.