Commodity Groups Team Up to Present Indiana Forum

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (December 2, 2009) — Indiana commodity groups from diverse sectors of the state’s agricultural industry are teaming up for the Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain Forum in Indianapolis to provide Hoosier farmers with the latest news, trends and issues affecting Indiana’s livestock, grain and forage industries. The forum takes place January 15, 2010, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. To view agenda or to register, click here.

Indiana Soybean Alliance is sponsoring the forum in conjunction with the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Forage Council, Indiana Goat Producers Association, Indiana Horse Council, Indiana Pork, Indiana Professional Dairy Producers, Indiana Sheep Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Milk Promotion Services of Indiana.

The forum combines the Indiana Livestock Forum, which has been sponsored the last two years by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), and the Indiana Forage Council/Indiana Cattle and Forage Symposium, previously hosted by Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Forage Council, Indiana Professional Dairy Producers, and Milk Promotion Services of Indiana.

The day starts at 9 a.m. with a general session for all participants. The keynote speaker is Dr. Lowell Catlett, an agricultural economist from New Mexico State University who works both nationally and internationally with corporations and organizations including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior, Defense, Education, Energy and World Bank.

The morning session also includes the announcement of an exciting new consumer outreach program that unites all sectors of Indiana agriculture. Participants can expect to leave with some exciting take-away messages, as well as materials and specific action items to help them get involved in this new program.

“This forum is a very exciting opportunity for Hoosier livestock, grain and forage producers to come together and learn from each other,” said Doug Morrow, ISA president. “As farmers, we sometimes categorize ourselves into these different segments of the Indiana agricultural industry, but the truth is that we are connected, interdependent components of Indiana agriculture. We all have common issues, challenges and opportunities, and the success of each of these segments of Indiana agriculture is directly tied to the success of each of the others.”

Following lunch, each commodity group will offer three breakout sessions where participants can mix and match sessions from any of the commodity topics that interest them.

Attendees can also visit a trade show throughout the day, featuring a variety of companies and organizations that farmers do business with on a daily basis. A complete listing can be found online at www.indianasoybean.com/forum prior to the event.

The day concludes with a reception sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau from 5 to 6:30 p.m., giving attendees one last chance to visit the trade show and talk with other farmers about what they have learned throughout the day.

Registration is limited and costs $25 per person; pre-registration is required and no on-site registrations will be accepted. A complete agenda and additional registration information can be found at www.indianasoybean.com/forum.