Ag Banking

The ever-present conflict in Europe and changes in geopolitical leadership and priorities often result in economics in extremes. We must also consider global weather patterns, uncertainty in trade and export markets as they create economic and financial ripples that will be observed throughout the decade. On the flipside, global trade, consumer behaviors, supply and marketing chains, and other disruptors are also presenting opportunities in the agricultural lending marketplace. 

This program will discuss the aforementioned global and domestic factors’ impact on the agriculture industry and ag lending. Dr. Kohl’s work as an academic, speaker, writer, business owner, and coach will provide wisdom and perspectives in an economic environment where uncertainty and opportunity coexist in the decade of the 2020s. Get ready for an action-packed session that provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in the agricultural lending marketplace. 

In this session, you will receive an update on everything ABA is working on in the agricultural and rural banking space. You’ll hear about ABA priorities in the Farm Bill and other pieces of legislation ABA is working on that will affect you as a rural banker.

Washington Policy Update: Farm, Energy & Economic Outlook

Jim Wiesmeyer

Farm-state lawmakers still want to complete a new farm bill by the end of the year. A look at the options as we enter the critical timeline for the omnibus legislation, including key issues. Other topics impacting the ag sector will be the Renewable Fuel standard, climate-change policy, and trade policy. Meanwhile, an update on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy with a focus on interest rates.

Building a Strong AG Credit Analysis Culture

Tony Hotchkiss

A presentation on why a strong AG Credit Culture is important in every AG Bank.  We will discuss important elements of AG Credit Analysis and tools available to improve the AG Credit process.

Connecting the Banker and the Farmer with Knowledge and Tools for Mutual Success

Joe Jennings

Renewable Energy Development in Illinois

Josh Hartke

What are the benefits to economic development from renewables? How do good companies develop a plentiful, profitable natural resource in Illinois? How can you and your land owners tell the difference? A brief discussion on the financial realities of tapping into the next generation of energy.    

Plant, Weed & Water the Family Ag Business to Reap a Bountiful Harvest: Navigating Dynamics of Multi-Generational Family Agricultural Businesses

Amanda Radke

Mastering multi-generational communication poses a universal challenge across all industries. However, in the world of ag business, where family connections run deep, navigating the intricacies of generational communications becomes even more difficult. Join Amanda Radke for a personal conversation on how best to navigate the ever-evolving world of family business in today’s changing agriculture landscape. Amanda dives into best practices for effective communication by understanding the nuances of personality differences, bridging age gaps, and identifying the when, where, and what to curate effective family business meetings. Don’t miss out on this insightful presentation that will help identify valuable strategies to succeed in the agriculture industry, avoid pitfalls that often accompany personal dynamics in business, and celebrate the bonds uniquely created by family connections.

Thursday, August 24th 

Top 10 Farm Business Strategies

Bob Rhea

We’ll utilize data from FBFM farms to help define 10 strategies that will enhance farm business success over the next 12 months. Results from top 1/3 producers, impacts on estate planning, current tax tools, and growing debt implications are some highlights.  You will boost your customer’s performance by assisting with the execution of winning strategies.

Farm Income Outlook and Risks for 2024

Gary Schnitkey

Dr. Gary Schnitkey is the Soybean Industry Endowed Chair in Agricultural Strategy within the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois.  His activities focus on farm and risk management on Corn Belt grain farms.  He analyzes factors causing differences in profitability across farms and develops ways of mitigating risk on farms.  He writes the Weekly Farm Economics article that appears each Tuesday on the farmdocDaily website. In this session, he will present forecasts of grain farm income for 2023 and 2024, along with giving a historical context for these projections.  Moving forward, we will discuss opportunities and risks for 2024. 

Know your Food

Sarah Michaels

I named my TV segment 'Food From Farming' because there's so much misinformation for the non-farming consumer. We are 3-5 generations removed from 'going to Grandma's farm' for the summer, and we've become disconnected from the facts of the who-what-when-where and why of the agricultural raw product that makes our food. I hope to share with you real information about where your food comes from and how it is raised and grown.

Regulator Update

Matt Jennings IDFPR

Disruptive Weather in Production Ag

Eric Snodgrass

The 2023 growing season marks the first time in 3 years that La Niña hasn’t dominated the weather headlines. Spring started with a lot of severe weather and tornadoes in the Midwest while the Northern Plains dug out from under feet of snow. High impact weather events like these have the last say on our crop yields and productivity, and in this talk we will discuss how the 2023 season is progressing and what to watch out for during the rest of the season. We will talk about El Niño, drought, severe storms, flooding, hurricanes, and international weather issues. Come prepared to learn about new resources and weather analysis and forecast tools that help with on-farm decision making.