The IBA 2026 Ag Banking Conference is a must-attend event for Illinois bankers looking to sharpen their ag lending expertise, stay ahead of evolving commodity markets and regulatory changes, and strengthen their role as trusted advisors to the agricultural community. Featuring leading ag economists, farm business analysts, and experienced lenders, the program delivers practical, data-driven insights on risk management, succession planning, and farm income trends that directly impact lending decisions.
Agenda
Agenda
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Registration
10:30 a.m. – Noon OPENING SESSION
Emcee, Kaylee Heap, Growmark
Economic Forecast in Agribusiness - Dr. David Kohl
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Government Loan Programs
Pat Piorkowski, Lender Relations Specialist, US Small Business Administration
Rebecca Huston, Director of Invest in Illinois, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
Katie Yuso, Farm Loan Specialist, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
FHLBC
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Legislative Update: Key Policy Developments Impacting Ag Banking
Ben Jackson, EVP, Government Relations, Illinois Bankers Association
Ed Elfmann, SVP, Agricultural and Rural Banking Policy, American Bankers Association
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Supporting Farm Families — Mental Health Tools for Lenders
Moderator: Karen Stallman, Program Coordinator, FFRI Advisory Council/SIU Medicine
Rachel Brown, Mental Health Specialist, Farm Family Resource Initiative
Adrienne DeSutter, Founder Sow Hope Grow Hope, Ag Mental Health Consultant
Josie Rudolphi, Illinois Farm Family Mental Health Voucher Program, U of I Extension
Liz Hulsizer, Hulsizer Farms, Knox County
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Networking Like a Pro!
Brian Hilliard, Author & Keynote Speaker
4:45 – 6:00 p.m. Networking Reception
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Passing It On: Honest Conversations About the Family Farm
Kevin Brooks, Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator, U of I Extension
9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Farm Armageddon: Actionable Ideas to Help Farmers and Improve Credit Portfolios
Joe Jennings, Tilley
10:15 – 11:00 a.m. Grain Markets Outlook
Matt Bennett, AgMarket.Net®
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Fireside Chat
Matt Bennett, AgMarket.Net®
Eric Snodgrass, Sr. Science Fellow, Nutrien Ag Solutions
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. High Impact Meteorology
Eric Snodgrass, Sr. Science Fellow, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Sponsors
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities available! Please contact Robin at rlane@illinois.bank.