Registration is open for the 42nd edition Fresno State Agribusiness Management Conferencewhich will host economic forecasts and presentations for people in the agricultural sector as well as interested faculty, staff and students of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday November 8at Pardini’s Catering and Banquets in Fresno (2257 W. Shaw Ave.).

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The conference theme is “The Future of California Agriculture: Navigating Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.” It will bring together leaders from business, politics and research to discuss topics related to agricultural economics, labor efficiency, technology and water policy.

“The agricultural business landscape is constantly evolving. This year’s Agribusiness Conference will highlight the need for businesses to adapt to these ever-changing conditions, particularly in light of the multifaceted challenges they face,” said Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Dean of the Agribusiness Conference. Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State.

Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist Michael Swanson will deliver the opening speech noon to 1 p.m. It provides a unique perspective on the range of California agricultural products and their connections to domestic and international economic markets.

Working for the nation’s largest commercial agricultural lender since 2000, he analyzes macroeconomic and international agricultural production, energy sector impacts, client credit and risk strategies, and key agricultural crop and livestock markets.

In previous roles, he oversaw dairy supply chains and sales forecasting for Land O’Lakes; managed grain imports and value-added sales for Cargill food producers and millers in South America; and served as a transportation analyst for the Burlington Northern Railway for its northern region stretching from Chicago to Seattle.

Roger Bernard, global commodities analyst at S&P and former agriculture journalist, will present the economic outlook for the opening session. He also worked as an analyst for IHS Markit and Informa Economics and was editor-in-chief of Pro Farmer and Farm Journal magazines.

Two panels will feature business and business leaders discussing agricultural economic topics that are at the national forefront. They are:

“Agricultural technology and adoption of emerging industries”

“Water Policy Impacts in California’s Central Valley”

  • Caitlin Petersonassociate director and researcher, Public Policy Institute of California
  • Alexandra Bieringsenior policy advocate, California Farm Bureau Federation
  • Thomas Holyokeprofessor of political science, Fresno State College of Social Sciences
  • Moderator: Dr Charles Hillyerdirector of the Fresno State Irrigation Technology Center

Registration for the conference costs $100 with a discounted rate until October 20. Late or walk-in registration will be accepted for $125 until the day of the conference. The student price is $50.

Event sponsors include Wells Fargo, Brandt, Farm Credit, ASFMRA Western Ag Professionals California Chapter, American Pistachio Growers, Fortune Association, Steve Moore Farms and Zenith. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Fresno State students and community college faculty should contact event organizer Luz Mendoza at 559.278.7135 or luzmendoza@mail.fresnostate.edu before registering.