The 17th Annual FFBT Agricultural Client Seminar was hosted at the Roseburg Event Center on February 22nd and over 180 industry representatives attended the event. The seminar has gradually evolved since its inception and the positive response from attendees recently reflects a sustained interest in unique industry perspectives offered by the high profile speakers. The general theme of the presentation focused on productivity, sustainability, and the importance of the transparency of sound agricultural practices. All speakers echoed that concerted efforts need to continue to better educate a public that is now far removed from food production on important standards maintained in both livestock production and environmental sustainability. As stewards of the industry, farmers are taking an active role in sharing their views on how to best manage sustained productivity while maintaining effective soil and water practices.
Ken Perkins again reflected on his continuing efforts in Laos and the importance of farmers to focus on managed productivity growth through sound practices against the back drop of feeding a growing third world population. Hugues Rinfret, Director of Research at MetLife Agricultural Investments, discussed general economic trending of the industry and market impact expectations. Jason Tucker, Strategic Officer at John Deere, offered updates on the technological advancement in farm equipment as it pertains to communication and monitoring and also spoke about how his company is proactively developing initiatives to meet the needs of the industry dynamics.
Our keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Patrick Moore, Co-Founder of GreenPeace International and Founder of Greenspirit. He began by talking at length about his origins in GreenPeace and their effective application of grassroots support to end commercial whaling and nuclear testing but also spoke at length of the general seperation from scientific research that has developed in the modern environmental movement and his current role in helping to working with key industries to reach goals that satisfy both societal needs and sustainable use of resources and production. He clearly offered a unique perspective on critical topics in the industry and many attendees offered appreciation for hosting a speaker of his caliber.
To close out the event, Jerry Carroll, a Farmer Humorist and Agricultural Comedian, made everyone laugh with stories from his days working on a farm in North Carolina with stylings similar to the red neck comedy tour.
Also in attendance with clients and prospects were a wide variety of industry professionals from Farm Service Ageanices , Purdue Extension offices, State Ag Offices, and Ag Industry Partners.
-Tade Powell
