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Fifth Annual Industry Conference Frames the Future of Ohio Agriculture

More than 350 Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members and industry professionals were on hand to engage in collaborative learning and networking at the organization’s fifth annual Industry Conference, Feb. 1-2 at the Columbus Marriott Northwest. The conference framed the future of Ohio agriculture through a variety of sessions and well-respected speakers.

“This year’s OABA Industry Conference gave participants a look at the current state of agriculture, while also focusing on where the industry is heading,” said Christopher Henney, OABA president and CEO. “It was energizing to be surrounded by our members and other industry professionals who have such great vision and passion for investing in a successful agricultural industry.”

The conference addressed key topics in today’s agriculture industry, such as nutrient management, policy and regulation updates, consumer perspectives, crisis preparation and more.

Keynote speaker Mark Jewell addressed the generation gap in agriculture with his keynote “Thriving Across Generations.” Using stories from his unique Minnesota farm past, Jewell shared strategies to help employees work across generations to support a thriving agricultural industry.

Other notable speakers at the two-day conference included Tim Luginsland and Lon Swanson, Wells Fargo; Dennis Todey, USDA; Harriet Wegmeyer, Nutrients for Life Foundation; David Fairfield, National Grain & Feed Association; and several educators and researchers from The Ohio State University, the University of Illinois and Iowa State University.

The conference also featured a diverse group of agricultural retailers and organizations with exhibitor booths. Included in the exhibitors was North Dakota Grain Inspection, a new business in Ohio and new member with OABA. 

“NDGI is so grateful to have been a part of this year’s OABA conference,” said Kia Mikesh, vice president of NDGI. “Being new to Ohio, it is important for us to let industry know who we are and why we are here. This conference gave us the opportunity to interact with local agricultural leaders and share more about our company.”

At the Industry Dinner and Annual Meeting on Feb. 1, OABA unveiled its new membership campaign “All Up in Your Business.” As the leading advocate for Ohio agribusiness since 1880, OABA works to ensure agriculture stays Ohio’s number one industry. The new campaign aims to increase exposure for OABA while improving opportunities for members, both new and old.

“Our members are the lifeblood of our organization,” said Henney. “Our goal is to advance our members’ interests by advocating for a sustainable business climate while aligning members and their employees to continuously improve agriculture.”

In addition, the association announced the OABA Awards & Recognition Initiative, which will recognize the continued excellence of agribusiness members and their employees.

“OABA is extremely proud of its members and the individuals they employ,” said Andrew Swerlein, CEO of Luckey Farmers, Inc. and OABA Board Chairman. “This new initiative will recognize those that are exemplary models for the agricultural community.”

The sixth annual OABA Industry Conference will be held in early 2018.

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