AgOutlook 2017: Speaker Recap

Soybean growers, industry representatives and thought leaders gathered in December for the 2017 AgOutlook conference and trade show, hosted by the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) in Sioux Falls.

Carolyn Thompson cooking up cafe wisdom on ag estate planning at AgOutlook

“This conference provides soybean growers with an opportunity to glean valuable knowledge while at the same time, network with farmers and ag specialists from across the region,” said Jerry Schmitz, a Vermillion farmer and SDSA Board President.

Along with networking opportunities and a trade show featuring 75 exhibitors, AgOutlook featured a lineup of nationally recognized speakers who helped farmers navigate the uncertainty of the future and taught them how to get their best return on investment with proper planning and strategy.

John Roach, Senior Market Analyst, focused on market strategy and the grain market outlook for 2018. He hoped to connect growers with simple, easy-to-use tools to improve their marketing results.

“I enjoy talking with growers and learning their plans, concerns and the realities they’re facing this year,” Roach said. “I hope they’ll leave my session feeling encouraged and knowing better times are ahead.”

Hear what John Roach had to say here:

Carolyn Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney, spoke on the importance of planning for the future of the farm and through proper planning, how farm families can avoid common pitfalls. She shared words of wisdom gained from her experiences in a small-town café and more than 20 years of agricultural estate planning in the four-state region.

“I’m an entrepreneur with the heart of a teacher who happens to practice law in the beautiful world of keeping families families, farms farms and businesses businesses,” said Thompson.

Thompson shared tips for estate planning here:

Randy Dowdy, World Record Grower of Soybeans and Corn, focused on soybean production factors like soybean and soil fertility, usage of fungicides and PGRs, as well as irrigation.

“I believe in paying my success forward,” Dowdy said. “By this I mean, paying back the farmers, industry professionals, university personnel and neighbors who helped me when I began farming. I hope to help others in return.”

Check out Randy’s recap here:

For more information on AgOutlook, click here.