2016 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum to Blend Tradition with Technology

The 2016 Agricultural Outlook Forum will include sessions that inform attendees on the technologically-driven transformation of agriculture.
The 2016 Agricultural Outlook Forum will include sessions that inform attendees on the technologically-driven transformation of agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the theme of this year’s 92nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, “Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition.” The event is slated to take place between February 25 and 26 in Arlington, Va.

As new markets and applications emerge for agricultural professionals as a result of technology, the forum will look to educate attendees on how to capitalize on the fresh opportunities.

The “Providing Leadership for Present and Future Generations in the Transformation of Agriculture” panel will include remarks from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. Additionally, Harden will host a session on opportunities in agriculture for new and beginning ranchers, as well as lead the Women’s Agriculture Networking event.

Other sessions will be held at the event, addressing topics such as organics, risk management, urban agriculture and bioproducts. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson is slated to present the “2016 Economic Outlook for Agriculture.”

Additional notable speakers include Howard Buffett, CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University. All speakers are expected to focus on the industry and its issues as a whole.

Last year, the event attracted 1,600 attendees. The goal is to address key issues in the industry that pertain to producers, policy makers and government officials. In 2014, the theme of the event was “Smart Agriculture in the 21st Century,” and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also attended the event.