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. View the Agenda PDF.
Bankers may invite one or more farming clients to attend the conference at the IBA member rate. Together, you will gain valuable insights into today’s agricultural economy, markets, weather, succession planning, government lending programs, and more while strengthening important customer relationships. Register yourself and your clients.
Agenda
Agenda
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Registration
10:30 a.m. – Noon OPENING SESSION
Emcee, Kaylee Heap, Growmark
Thriving in Chaotic Times: Tools, Techniques & Perspectives for Ag Bankers- Dr. David Kohl
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Government Loan Programs
Moderator: Ben Jackson, EVP, Government Relations, IL Bankers
Rebecca Huston, Director of Invest in Illinois, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
John Taflan, Loan Program Manager, Advantage IL, Department of Commerce
Katie Yusko, Farm Loan Specialist, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Travis Schroll, Director, Institutional Sales, FHLB Chicago
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: Sharie Cradduck, Agriculture Rescource Specialist, SUI Medicine
Rachel Brown, Mental Health Specialist, Farm Family Resource Initiative
Adrienne DeSutter, Founder Sow Hope Grow Hope, Ag Mental Health Consultant
Dr. 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
7:30 – 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.