Water, politics, youth, crop insurance, smart phones and endangered species are among the topics scheduled for discussion at the second annual Southwest Ag Issues Summit, Sept. 8-10 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City.

“The Southwest Agricultural Issues Summit is designed to provide ample opportunity for agricultural leaders to expand their knowledge of pertinent issues impacting the industry,” says a Summit spokesperson.

A farm bill update will be a major topic during the Monday morning session. Key House and Senate ag committee staff members will offer what insight they can on progress and implementation of the legislation—assuming a bill is done by meeting time.

The farm bill discussion follows an industry update from Jim Weisemeyer, with Informa Economics. Also on the agenda is keynote speaker David Wasserman, with the Cook Political Report. Wasserman will close the Summit as the Tuesday luncheon speaker.

An endangered species panel “will discuss the crucial impact the endangered Species Act can have on American agriculture,” according to the latest agenda. Panelists will focus on the potential for listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken on the endangered list. Listing the prairie chicken could affect thousands of agriculture acres across the Southwest region.

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The Summit will begin with a water issues roundtable discussion Sunday afternoon. That session begins at 2 p.m.  A session on agricultural applications for smart phones follows the water roundtable.

At 3:20 an Oklahoma State University College of Agriculture student council representative will discuss “what the next generation is looking for from the agricultural industry and why engaging them is vital to the industry’s future.”

An optional wine tasting is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday afternoon, followed by an opening reception from 6 to 7.

Also on the agenda is a golf tournament, scheduled for Monday afternoon. An alternative activity will be a hold ‘em poker tournament. Cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell provides entertainment for the Monday evening reception and dinner.

Tuesday’s agenda includes two sessions on trade and a crop insurance panel.

The Southwest Ag Summit brings together some of the top experts within the region and the nation to discuss pertinent topics affecting farmers and ranchers in the Southern Plains.

“The agricultural industry is facing an increasing number of hurdles to ensure its ability to continue providing the food and fiber for the world’s growing population,” the spokesperson says. “Agricultural producers now have bigger challenges than just what Mother Nature throws at them. With an increasing urban population generations removed from the farm, it’s imperative the agricultural industry work together to stay abreast of issues that greatly impact the ability of the industry to continue thriving. The Summit is an effort to gather key agricultural influencers together, helping unite the voice of agriculture.”

Registration begins Sunday at 1 p.m. If you have further questions about the Southwest Ag Issues Summit, contact: Phone: 806.763.2676 or Email: [email protected].

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