Lenexa, Kan., (April 20, 2020) — Farm Journal gathered more than 800 registrants for its Farm Country Forum, a one-day digital event on April 16, 2020, that uncovered new research about the farmer of the future and looked at how COVID-19 will forever change the way America sees its food supply. Registrants included agribusiness leaders, government officials, nonprofit organizations and other members of the agri-food value chain. The event was presented with the support of Agri Marketing magazine and hosted by Farm Journal’s Clinton Griffiths and Tyne Morgan.
“The amazing response to this event tells us that our industry is looking for ways to interact, share perspectives and create a broader discussion around how to keep agriculture and the food supply moving forward in these times of change,” said Charlene Finck, President of Farm Journal. “The Farm Country Forum is just one of many resources we are bringing to the market to benefit our clients, readers and the industry as a whole.”
Attendees took part in presentations and panel discussions through viewer-driven Q&A sessions and real-time polling to gauge audience opinions on a variety of topics. Presentations included:
Who is the Farmer of the Future?
Doug Edge, Senior Vice President of Business Solutions with Farm Journal, collaborated with Brett Sciotto, CEO of Aimpoint Research, to outline research results showing how farmers, ranchers and growers will change over the next 20 years.
Flex Your Data Muscles to Track the Pulse of America’s Farmers
Portia Stewart, Creative Strategy Director for Farm Journal, talked with Farm Journal editors about the evidence-based, reader-driven approach they used to track farmer sentiment, purchase intentions, top-of-mind issues and behavior analysis. Presenters included Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk; Clinton Griffiths, editor of Farm Journal and host of AgDay; Greg Henderson, editor of Drovers; Sara Schafer, editor of Top Producer; and Jennifer Shike, editor of Farm Journal’s PORK.
Ag Retail Instills Reliability in An Uncertain Time
Ag retailers have become accustomed to rapid changes, shifting trends and adopting new technologies. Margy Eckelkamp, editor of AgPro, led a discussion with three ag retail executives around the new challenges of 2020. Presenters included Amy Asmus, Asmus Farm Supply, Rake, Iowa; Harold Cooper, Premier Ag, Seymour, Ind.; and Henry Holloway, The Mill, Bel Air, Md.
Keeping Food on America’s Table
The produce supply chain is working within a new normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom Karst, editor of The Packer, led industry experts in a discussion about how their organizations are operating a new world of supply and demand, transportation and logistical issues and the challenge of keeping grocery store produce sections stocked. Presenters included Kevin Byers, PCC Community Markets, Seattle, Wash.; Jeff Cady, Tops Markets, Williamsville, N.Y.; Alex DiNovo, DNO Produce, Columbus, Ohio; Thomas Kovacevich III, T.M. Kovacevich Philadelphia Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.; and Roger Pepperl, Stemlit Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
How Covid-19 Will Forever Change the Way America Sees its Food Supply
COVID-19 has opened the window for agriculture to engage, educate and reassure consumers about their food supply. Nate Birt, Vice President of Farm Journal’s Trust In Food initiative led discussions among food and agriculture experts about how to champion agriculture and provide steps for organizations to help farmers of the future be successful. Presenters included Frank Yiannais, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Mary Shelman, The Shelman Group; and Roger Thurow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
To access recordings of these sessions, please click on the session title above or go to https://dev.farmjournal.com/farm-country-update/
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 144 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences, seminars and tradeshows; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile text marketing business; and an array of data-driven paid information products. Farm Journal also is the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity Farm Journal Foundation dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.