Oklahoma State University (OSU) is hosting its annual Rural Economic Outlook Conference on October 8, with this year’s theme focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. According to OSU’s Brent Ladd, the conference is designed to provide valuable insights and information to producers, agricultural lenders, and policymakers.
AI and the Future of Agriculture
Ladd highlighted the event’s keynote speaker, Heather Hampton-Knodle, a producer who also served on the FCC Precision Ag Task Force. She will speak on “transforming Food and Rural economics” with AI. In addition, the conference will feature an AI technology panel with OSU faculty and a co-op manager who will discuss practical applications like drones and wireless fencing. Ladd noted that AI is “coming” to agriculture, and the goal of the conference is to show attendees “what’s available and how actual producers are using it” right now.
Economic Outlook and Key Speakers
The afternoon sessions will feature several experts on agricultural markets. Longtime crowd favorite Darryl Peel will be co-presenting with Dr. James Mitchell, an assistant professor from the University of Arkansas Extension who is an expert in livestock markets.
Attendees will also get to meet OSU Extension’s new grain market specialist, Todd Hubbs, who is replacing the well-known Kim Anderson. Hubbs, who begins his new role on October 1, has “graciously agreed to present for us a grain market update” just one week later.
Registration and Details
The all-day conference will be held on October 8, with registration and breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m.. The conference will conclude around 3:30 p.m.. Early bird registration is $50 per person and ends on October 1; after that, the price increases to $75.
Ladd emphasized that it is essential to register early to save money and facilitate planning. The easiest way to register is to search for “OSU Ag Econ” and follow the link on the departmental website.
2025 Agenda
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | AI in Agriculture: Transforming Food and Rural Economies Heather Hampton Knodle, FCC Precision Ag Task Force Member, Chairman of the Accelerating Broadband Development Working Group (2020-21, 24), Chairman of the Connectivity Needs Working Group (2022-2023), and President of Knodle, Ltd. Farms |
| 8:45 a.m. | Welcome Cheryl DeVuyst, OSU Agricultural Economics Head and Professor |
| 9:00 a.m | AI/ Technology Panel (3 panelists) Daniel Koeisch, General Manager, Farmers Cooperative Association, Tonkawa with Haven Trunzo, Agricultural Economics Master Student, Brian Arnall, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences Professor and Sitlington Chair in Agriculture Panelist 3, To Be Announced |
| 10:00 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. | AI/ Technology Panel (3 panelists) Daniel Koeisch, General Manager, Farmers Cooperative Association, Tonkawa, with Haven Trunzo, Agricultural Economics Master Student, Brian Arnall, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences Professor and Sitlington Chair in Agriculture Panelist 3, To Be Announced |
| 11:15 a.m. | Departmental Research Update Dayton Lambert, OSU Agricultural Economics Professor and Willard R. Sparks Chair in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources |
| 11:45 a.m. | Undergraduate Update –Emerson Lauterjung, Aggie-X Representative Graduate Update –Hence Duncan, GSA Representative |
| Noon | Catered Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Livestock Market Outlook, Livestock Economics Derrell Peel, OSU Agricultural Economics Professor and Charles Breedlove Professorship James Mitchell, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas |
| 2:00 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15 p.m. | Rapid Fire Outlook Panel: Ag Finance Topics, Rodney Jones, OSU Agricultural Economics Professor and Oklahoma Farm Credit Chair Grain Markets Update, Todd Hubbs, OSU Agricultural Economics Assistant Professor |
| 3:15 p.m. | Wrap-up/Evaluation |
| 3:30 p.m. | Adjorn |
To get Registered, click here:
