Printed Agenda & Registration Form
Monday, March 17
8:30 am Welcome & Introductions
8:40 am Economic Update
Dr. Jason Henderson, ISU Extension, Ames
With rates rising, elections, and the question of recession or soft landing as prevalent issues in the last year, Dr. Henderson will share perspectives on the economy going forward in 2025. With an emphasis on the ag sector, this session will focus on global markets, trade, and other important issues for the Iowa ag economy.
10:00 am Break with exhibitors
Sponsored by Bell Bank, Growthland, and Hurley and Associates
10:30 am Hot Topics in Ag
Beginning Farmer Update
Farm Service Agency
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Nathan Hohnstein, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Sustainable aviation fuel could become the largest new market in the history of agriculture. The new SAF market is potentially massive according to a study from by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), an Iowa agricultural economic firm. The study found fully maximizing the potential of the SAF production in Iowa will have a generation impact. Learn more about what this means for Iowa agriculture.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture: Amazing Innovator or Automated Imitator 2.0
Dr James Koltes, Iowa State University
Hear from animal science professor James Koltes about AI in agriculture. Dr. Koltes is a part of ISU’s TrAC, Translational AI Center, that serves as a scientific hub for translational artificial intelligence.
12 pm Lunch
Sponsored by Dentons Davis Brown and Mid Iowa Real Estate, Auctions, & Appraisals
1:15 pm Ag Policy Update
Ed Elfman, American Bankers Association, Washington, D.C.
Learn how the current agricultural economy and political leadership is shaping agricultural policy and the upcoming farm bill including an overview of USDA, Congressional leadership, and other important players in agricultural policy. Also, find valuable resources in the agricultural finance space that can help you and your customers. This is a can’t miss for all ag lenders!
2:15 pm Break with Exhibitors
Sponsored by Bell Bank, Growthland, and Hurley and Associates
2:45 p.m. Managing Crop Revenue and Market Price Risks
Dr. Steve Johnson, ISU Extension Outreach (retired)
Steve Johnson will discuss 2025 crop cost estimates, including corn prices and soybeans. He will also discuss crop margins.
4:00 pm Reception
Sponsored by MIB
Tuesday, March 18
7:30 am Full Breakfast
Sponsored by Dickinson Bradshaw Law and Farmer Mac
8:15 am A Look at What’s Happening with Land Values
Dr. Dave Muth, Peoples Company
Want to know what’s happening with land values around Iowa? Dr. Dave Muth of Peoples Company shares data on the current state of land values, the circumstances that have led to those values, and an outlook on variables that could impact future land prices
9:15 am Break with exhibitors
Sponsored by Bell Bank, Growthland, and Hurley and Associates
9:30 am Succession Planning – Mitigating Risk and Making Successful Transitions
Katheryn Thorson, BrownWinick, Des Moines
A good estate plan for a farm family needs to recognize and take advantage of the various tools available for protecting the farm operation and aiding farm family succession. Transition and estate planning is essential, but often comes with challenges. This session will talk about some ways ag lenders can assist in that process, proven strategies for succession, and some of the potential pitfalls.
10:30 am Break with exhibitors
Sponsored by Bell Bank, Growthland, and Hurley and Associates
10:45 am What’s Driving Agriculture Now
Mike Pearson
Join Mike Pearson, host of “This Week in Agribusiness” Mike interviews over 1000 professionals in the ag industry each year. These folks range from experts on the volatile commodity markets to Washington DC politicians, and trade experts worldwide. In this talk, Mike will synthesize what he’s learned from these professionals and help the audience understand what might be ahead in the markets, in policy, and trade.
11:45 am Adjourn
Ag Bankers Conference 