Agribusiness conference charts future of California agriculture

Registration is now open for Fresno State’s 43rd annual Agribusiness Management Conference, taking place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Pardini’s Catering and Banquets (2257 W. Shaw Ave.) in Fresno).

Themed “The Changing Landscape in California Agriculture,” the conference will bring together experts from business, politics and research to discuss economic policy, land use changes, agrifood industry investments, and evolving regulations impacting the agrifood sector. The event targets faculty, staff, students and professionals interested in the agrifood industry.

“As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, faculty, staff and students must remain adaptable to these shifts,” said Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State. “The Agribusiness Management Conference offers a valuable opportunity for them to engage directly with industry leaders and producers to gain insights on how they leverage economic forecasts and emerging business trends to effectively navigate these changes.”

The conference will kick off with an opening session led by Dr. Michael Swanson, chief agricultural economist at Wells Fargo. Swanson will deliver an economic outlook on both national and international markets.

With over two decades of experience at the nation’s largest commercial agricultural lender, he specializes in analyzing macroeconomic trends; international agricultural production; the energy sector’s influence, credit and risk strategies; and key crop and livestock markets.

Following Swanson’s presentation, two panels will take place. Each panel will feature business and trade leaders discussing key agricultural economic issues currently at the forefront of national discussions. These panels are:

“Changing Land Use, Investment Inflows and Sustainability Issues in Agriculture”

• Curt Covington, senior director at AgAmerica Lending
• Mike Ming, president of the ASFMRA California Chapter
• Casey Creamer, president of Citrus Mutual
• Dr. Andres Jauregui, Fresno State professor of real estate (moderator)

“Changing Environmental and Regulatory Landscape in the Food and Agricultural Industry”

• John Chandler, Chandler Farms L.P.
• Trudi Hughes, president of California League of Food Producers

The conference will conclude with a keynote address by George Soares, a prominent agriculturist, lawyer and expert in state politics, from noon to 1 p.m.

As a partner at Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP, Soares has played a pivotal role in shaping thousands of legislative and regulatory proposals, including California’s agriculture tax relief package. A cattle rancher and grower of nuts, corn and wheat in Hanford, he also serves on the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors and the California State University Board of Trustees.

Early-bird registration for the conference is $125 through Nov. 1. Late or walk-up registration will be accepted for $150 until the day of the conference. The student price is $50.

Fresno State students and community college faculty should contact event organizer Luz Mendoza at 559.278.7135 or luzmendoza@mail.fresnostate.edu before registering.

Event sponsors include platinum level sponsor Wells Fargo, gold level sponsor Farm Credit, silver level sponsors The Zenith and California Chapter of ASFMRA Western Ag Professionals. Other supporting organizations include American Pistachio Growers, California Food Producers, The Maddy Institute, Steve Moore Farms and the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and Institute for Food and Agriculture. 

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

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