Winter Conference Agenda
See below for our full agenda. Each of these sessions will be available via Zoom on the respective day of the Virtual Winter Conference.
Concurrent sessions may vary in length but will be complete by 11:30 AM each day!
- Monday, January 11, 2021
- Tuesday, January 12, 2021
- Wednesday, January 13, 2021
- Thursday, January 14, 2021
| Welcome from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Following opening remarks from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, MABA President Chuck Lippstreu and Chairman Rick Hollister provide a quick MABA update, outline the plan for the week and share important information about the 2021 “Virtual” Winter Conference & Trade Show. Update from the Michigan Agri-Business Association and Look Ahead at our Virtual Conference
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| Climate Change, Michigan Agriculture and Market Opportunities | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | The discussion about climate change in our industry is rapidly advancing. New federal and state government initiatives aim to address the issue, and there’s emerging opportunity for agriculture to deliver solutions. This session looks at the latest government action, and some examples of opportunity in the industry.
| 1.0 NM; 2.0 SW | |
| Fertilizer Issues (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Fertilizer is as integral as ever, and the industry continues to navigate change -- from increased environmental scrutiny and logistical challenges, to promising new technology and innovation. This session looks at where things are headed, and how developments within the industry can deliver solutions on emerging challenges.
| 1.0 SW; 2.0 NM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| The Livestock System | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | 2020 has been one of the most turbulent years in memory for many in the livestock industry. This session will look at lessons learned and obstacles overcome during the COVID emergency, as well as forward-looking regulatory and operational issues facing the livestock industry.
| 1.0 SW; 2.0 PD | |
| Grain Issues | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | With Michigan agriculture generally “back on track” in 2020, with solid yields and grain handle up, there were very positive elements to the year. At the same time, logistics issues, legal uncertainty and roller coaster market conditions continue to challenge anyone dealing with grain.
| 3.0 CM | |
| Fundamental Economic Changes in 2020 | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Perhaps no year delivered the economic turbulence of 2020; and at the same time, a totally new set of circumstances are headed our way in 2021. Hear from leading regional and national voices on food trends and changes that could be lasting as a result of the past year.
| 3.0 PD | |
| Applicator Training - Session 1 (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | The landscape continues changing for applicators, and the most important thing we can do as an industry is stay “ahead of the game,” especially when it comes to safety. Get up to speed on staying safe, doing things the right way, and minimizing risk. The morning session of our 2021 Applicator Training will focus on foundational best practices.
Application Best Practices
| 3.0 PM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| Closing Remarks: Celebrating the Resilience of Agriculture | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Celebrate the people, promise, and passion of agriculture with a product of Michigan agriculture, Michele Payn. She sheds light on food, mental health, and agricultural issues -- and what they mean during and after COVID-19. Michele will help you bring hope, healing, and humor to address the stress of ag folks. This uplifting keynote will: Understand the necessity of proactive positioning for agriculture to protect our practices; learn to leverage trust to protect your bottom line; identify ways to more effectively connect with other humans; and offer insight to provide the same care for people as we do our land and animals.
| 1.0 PD | |
| Q/A: Quality of Life Directors | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | This year didn't just pose new challenges for agriculture, it put our state government in a very new situation. This informal evening Q/A session will give us a chance to meet two key state policy leaders shaping the future of Michigan agriculture, and hear an update on MDARD and EGLE operations.
| 1.0 PD |
| Opening Remarks: Welcome from U.S. Senator Gary Peters | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | This session will begin at approximately 8:10 AM. We will be joined by U.S. Senator Gary Peters to start the day with a brief update on the Senate. We appreciate Senator Peters taking time to join MABA Winter Conference attendees!
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| Pest Control (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | The proliferation of herbicide resistant weeds, emerging plant disease threats, and uncertainty of pesticide formulation options makes staying up to date on the latest in pest control essential for crop advisors.
| 3.0 PM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| The Trade Outlook | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | It’s been an eventful few years for trade and exports, with some real bright spots, and some real problems. This session looks at current policy issues, trade impacts of the 2020 Election, and issues of interest to any Michigan agribusiness with a connection to export markets.
| 3.0 PD | |
| Risk Management, Compliance and Agribusinesses | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | This session will review a range of legal considerations to keep in mind as you plan for the year ahead, and beyond. We’ll look at both short-term, new issues resulting from COVID-19, as well as some of the “block and tackle” things you need to do to stay on the right side of the law!
| 1.0 SW; 2.0 PD | |
| Feed Issues | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | The feed industry is complex and constantly evolving, with new technology and innovation delivering solutions for farmers across Michigan. Feed manufacturers and dealers handle a range of issues, and this session will look at everything from market conditions, to new ideas and technology, and the regulatory landscape.
| 1.0 PD; 2.0 CM | |
| Applicator Training - Session 2 (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | This second session in our applicator training helps you prepare to interact with neighbors and community members, prevent incidents, and manage risk, including discussion of what local first responders ask of you to ensure safety.
| 3.0 PM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| Closing Remarks: Delivering Solutions Through Tech and Innovation | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| 1.0 CM | |
| An Hour With the Experts: Auto Industry Changes and the Ag Industry | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | This expert discussion will provide insight on the future of the auto industry, and potential agricultural applications in a "look ahead" conversation and Q/A opportunity.
| 1.0 PD | |
| Q/A: The Next Congress | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | This is a special opportunity to hear from U.S. Representative-elect Lisa McClain, who will be headed to Congress next year to represent Michigan's 10th Congressional District, and ask questions about the upcoming Congress.
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| Opening Remarks: Safety | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Safety is central to everything we do, even at a time when we're moving fast and there are new distractions. Join a leading safety advisor to talk about some key things you need to remember each day when heading to work.
| 0.5 PD | |
| Agronomy Considerations and Management (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | This session looks at overall considerations in Michigan crop production for retailers, and some issues of interest for ag retail facilities.
| 1.0 SW; 1.0 NM; 1.0 CM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| Infrastructure and Agriculture | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | If you can’t keep the lights on or can’t move products to where they’re wanted and needed, you’re out of luck. This session reviews how the industry is tackling infrastructure and logistics hurdles, and considers the outlook for 2021 along with future issues.
| 3.0 PD | |
| Evolution of the Value Chain and Buyer Demands | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | We’ve been talking about sustainability and the food system for years now, and we know end user demands are making their way to the farm. What’s the latest, how should the industry respond, and where is the market opportunity?
| 1.0 PD; 2.0 CM | |
| Saginaw Valley Production (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Michigan’s Saginaw Valley is one of the most interesting agricultural regions throughout the Midwest, and this session will update on some considerations for crops produced in the Valley and into Michigan’s Thumb.
| 1.0 NM; 2.0 CM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| Federal Issues and the Farm Safety Net | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | There is no shortage of policy issues emerging for the year ahead, especially on matters related to the farm safety net, with an unorthodox year behind us and a new administration in Washington. Hear from two distinguished experts on the federal farm safety net and the crop insurance program on what might be ahead.
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| Closing Remarks: Policy and Priorities for Michigan Agriculture | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | We are entering a new year in the midst of major events, from a presidential transition to distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, all while we take stock of industry dynamics that continue to evolve. Hear from MABA on policy and legislative priorities in Michigan and at the federal level, as well as thoughts on areas where we can manage change in our industry.
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| Seed Treatment Seminar (RUP) | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Technology used for treating seed continues to evolve and it’s critical that operators stay up to date on the latest procedures, regulations, and practices. This session will cover formulation and application, importance of quality application and plantability.
| 2.0 PM | 2.0 Cat. 4, Priv. Core, Comm. Core |
| An Hour With the Experts: Ag Tech, Innovation and the Road Ahead | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| 1.0 CM | |
| Q/A: The Michigan House and Senate | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Hear from leaders on agricultural policy in the Michigan House and Senate, and learn about key state policy issues coming up in the future. We truly appreciate Senator Daley and Representative Alexander for joining us on the first day of the 2021 session for the Michigan Legislature.
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| Opening Remarks: Mental Health, Stress and Rural America | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | While awareness is increasing, we simply don’t talk enough about stress and mental health issues in our industry. Michigan State University is leading with resources to tackle this issue in our small towns and agriculture sector -- and we can all help.
| 0.5 PD | |
| Wheat Production and Value Chain Issues (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | This session will serve as a resource focused on both wheat production and the Michigan wheat value chain.
| 1.0 PM; 1.0 CM; 1.0 NM | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| Credit Outlook | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Credit was a huge focus area for many in our industry in 2020, as the economic downturn hit many farmers hard and created serious short-term issues. Could some of this be lasting? And what does 2021 hold for the ag economy and farmer capitalization? Hear from the experts.
| 3.0 PD | |
| Safety - The Road Ahead (RUP) | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Safety has always been a top industry priority, but it took on new meaning this year as we focused on keeping everyone safe during COVID. Look at the latest safety efforts in the industry, both from a health perspective and a day-to-day safety perspective.
| 3.0 PD | 3.0 Category – 1A, Comm CORE, Priv CORE |
| 2021 Agri-Business Management Seminar | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | New for 2021: Day-to-day management is a challenge! Take some time to think about overall business management and leadership -- no matter what your sector -- and get some helpful resources with these “quick hit” closing sessions.
| 3.0 PD | |
| Ag Technology, Stewardship and Advising Farmers | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | This session will look at how technology has advanced in agronomy services, including discussion of imaging, modeling and resulting opportunities to deliver strong service and bolster grower profitability.
| 1.0 NM; 2.0 CM |