You’ve met a lot of people over the last year over your laptop or other device, but did those meetings have the same impact as a live event?

If you’re being honest the answer is likely no. And that’s why we’re so excited to organize and invite you to the 2022 Farm Futures Business Summit, to be held Jan. 20-21 at the Hyatt Hotel and Conference Center just outside Iowa City.

There is a reason schools are so anxious to replace virtual learning with classroom interaction. When we asked one of our summit speakers why networking is so important, he responded, “My behavior changes when I’m physically in front of someone. I’m more engaged and less distracted.”

It’s time to reconnect with each other and re-ignite your passion for agriculture.

This energy-packed event gives farmers good information and ideas you can put to use today. It’s a chance to share solutions to common problems and discover better ways to manage your farm.

Packed agenda

You’ll hear from Virginia Tech professor emeritus David Kohl, who offers his unique perspective on global supply and demand issues farmers will face in the coming year. You’ll also hear an entertaining yet informative session from University of Minnesota grain marketing educator Ed Usset. The economist has studied historic ways farmers sell their grain and has come up with some pretty startling evidence on what does and does not work.

This Week in Agribusiness anchor Max Armstrong will emcee our after-dinner session, which includes Iowa State economist Bobby Martens sharing his views on the ag supply chain outlook this spring. Our own market analyst Jacqueline Holland will offer insights on where fertilizer prices are headed. Consultant Dean Heffta will offer two sessions: One, to coach attendees on new communication skills that minimize conflict among your farm team, and two, valuable lessons for young farmers as they maneuver the tricky road to senior management.

In all we have seven money-management sessions planned for the Jan. 19 Ag Finance Boot Camp, and 17 management and outlook sessions planned for the Business Summit, Jan. 20-21, all at the Hyatt Conference Center and Hotel in Coralville, Iowa.

As always, the summit provides a chance to participate in live polls and ask questions anonymously through our interactive Slido technology.

Make new friends

Someone once said, all great things happen in our life because of an encounter with another person. It’s these encounters that change the way you think about something, or the way you approach solving a problem. These are the positive benefits of reconnecting at the summit. You’ll make new friends who are as passionate about farming as you are. You’ll learn first-hand what works and what doesn’t from cross-table conversations.

That networking opportunity has been sorely missed these past several months. We’re counting on a chance to catch up with each other and learn a few new things at the same time. Just go to www.farmfuturessummit.com to get registered and nail down your hotel reservations. See you in Iowa!