Summary: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host its annual Agricultural Development Forum, Feb. 2, in the Holshouser Building, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Topics include economic outlook for agriculture, a panel discussion surrounding trade and the effects of the war on North Carolina agriculture, plus Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler’s annual State of Ag address. The event is free. You can register online at www.ncagr.gov/agforum/
Today’s Topic with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis
- If listeners are planning to attend the Southern Farm Show on Thursday, Feb. 2, I’d like to invite them to join us for the 17th Annual Agricultural Development Forum being held in the Holshouser Building at the State Fairgrounds.
- The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and is free. We ask you to register in advance, so we have a headcount for lunch. We have a link on our homepage at www.ncagr.gov.
- Just scroll down to the Agricultural Development Forum link, click on that and look for the registration link on the right of the page.
- A number of meetings and events take place during the Southern Farm Show, including the Ag Development Forum, the Breakfast with the Commissioner fundraiser for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum and the annual meeting of the Tobacco Associates of North Carolina.
- It is a good time to catch up on the latest information on the industry and network with other farmers and industry leaders.
- During the forum, we will hear from N.C. State Ag Economist Blake Brown who will provide an economic update for the year ahead. I am certainly interested in hearing his presentation.
- Following that, Dr. Sandy Stewart and Marketing Director Peter Thornton will talk about and lead a panel discussion on trade and agricultural implications due to the war on Ukraine.
- Panelists include:
- Owen Wagner, vice president of North American Grains & Oilseeds Analysis, with Rabobank;
- Mike Quinn, vice president of Cotton Operations with Gildan;
- And, Mike Ready, who is the Ag Division Government Sales Manager with James River Equipment.
- Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, will also join us to offer a national perspective on the year ahead.
- To wrap up the program, I will present the Exporter of the Year award, before making my annual State of Agriculture address.
- In it I will talk about 2022 and my priorities for 2023, plus highlight the challenges ahead and our legislative agenda.
- It will be an informative program. I hope to see you there. Lunch will be provided for attendees.