Dr. Shannon Ferrell is a professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, where he specializes in Agricultural Law. He grew up on a cattle and wheat operation in western Oklahoma and obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from OSU before obtaining his Juris Doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law with endorsements in Estate Planning and Business and Financial Services Law.
Shannon spent a number of years in full-time private practice before joining OSU. As an educator and speaker, he helps audiences all over North America understand the fundamental legal elements of farm business management and farm transition planning. He has provided nearly 600 presentations and workshops to a cumulative audience of more than 37,000 across the U.S. and Canada while authoring more than 50 publications, including serving as lead author on the Farm Transition Workbook. He has testified before Congress and the Oklahoma legislature on multiple policy issues involved in farm transitions from regulatory barriers in the transition process to retirement savings for farmers and ranchers. In private practice, he helps farm families with both the conversations involved in forming the best transition planning approach and creating the mechanisms to make their transitions successful.
Sessions On the Agenda
Stewardship in Action
Explore innovative grazing strategies that support land stewardship and improve operational efficiency. Learn how producers are enhancing forage management, soil health and herd movement using creative approaches and emerging technologies like virtual fencing and real-time tracking.
Continuing a Legacy: Succession Planning for Cattle Producers
Cattle operations are more than businesses — they’re legacies built on generations of hard work, stewardship and resilience. Yet without a clear succession plan, even the most successful ranches can face uncertainty when it’s time to pass the reins. This session will help you shift from “someday” to “starting now.” Because the most important plan is the one you actually begin.
Low Stress, High Impact
Discover practical cattle handling techniques that reduce stress and improve performance. Thoughtful grazing strategies and stockmanship go hand in hand to support herd health, land stewardship and operational efficiency.
Cattle Health in Focus: Policy Shifts and Current Challenges
Stay up to date on the latest cattle health policies impacting producers nationwide. This session will cover current disease threats, regulatory updates and proactive strategies for herd protection. Learn what’s changing, what’s emerging, and what you can do to stay ahead.
What’s Happening in D.C.?
Get the latest on federal policy developments affecting the cattle industry. This session breaks down legislative updates, agency actions and advocacy efforts shaping the future of cattle production.
Speak Up, Stand Out: Advocacy That Makes an Impact
Learn how to effectively share your story and advocate for agriculture with clarity and confidence. This session offers practical tools for engaging in conversations that build trust, guide decisions and promote the beef industry. Whether you’re talking to consumers, decisionmakers or your local community, your voice matters — let’s make it count.
