Exiting the Cave — Horizon scanning the intersection of geopolitics and food, energy, and labor Jacob Shapiro
What news should you trust? How do you make confident, long-term decisions in a world where headlines blur the line between fact and fiction, and global landscapes are ever-changing? In this timely session, Jacob Shapiro shares the analytical tools he uses to address these questions and the key mistakes entrepreneurs and business owners make when scanning the horizon for future risks and opportunities. Leveraging these tools, Shapiro will outline how rising food prices, shifting energy markets and increasing labor costs are creating new uncertainties for businesses — and how leaders can make informed, strategic decisions in response.
Jacob Shapiro is a well-respected consultant, speaker and researcher covering global affairs, technology, economics and more. He is the Head of Geopolitical & Macro Research at The Bespoke Group, which protects and grows wealth for entrepreneurs and families. Host of “The Jacob Shapiro Podcast,” he interviews subject matter experts on the topics of geopolitics, agriculture and technology.
AI and Tech Advances in Agriculture Aidan Connolly
From robotic harvesters and unmanned combines to soil sensors and the role of AI in precision farming — we are entering a new era of revolutionary ag technology. But in this new era, what is real and tangible and where should growers invest their time and resources?
President of AgriTech Capital, Aidan Connolly explores how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping farming. Drawing on lessons from industries like healthcare that have successfully adopted transformative tech, Connolly offers insights to help growers prioritize where to invest their time, energy and capital in a rapidly evolving agriculture landscape. Described by Forbes as a “farm and food futurologist,” Aidan Connolly works with Fortune 500 companies at the intersection of agriculture and technology. He previously served as CEO of Cainthus, a computer vision and AI company specializing in livestock monitoring, and as Chief Innovation Officer of Alltech, leading a team of scientists focused on new technologies.
Walking the Advocacy Tightrope A communicator's view of advocacy on the Farm Bill, MAHA, and trade Meghan Cline, National Pork Producers Council Betsy Rado, Bader Rutter
Meghan Cline, National Pork Producers Council and Betsy Rado, Bader Rutter, will discuss their communications experience representing the interests of the nation’s 60,000+ pork producers. In recent years, the pork industry has faced challenges amid a rapidly-changing policy landscape in Washington, D.C. Big legislative and regulatory shifts, in addition to increased political divisions have underscored the balancing act of speaking to both sides of the aisle while maintaining your organization’s position. Speakers will discuss communications strategies against the backdrop of federal budgeting, the 2025 Farm Bill, international trade, and a renewed focus on national health.
Meghan Cline is the Director of Policy Communications for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), where she leads efforts to communicate the organization’s policy positions to producers, lawmakers, media, and consumers. Previously, she directed communications for JBS USA and Pilgrim’s and served as press secretary and communications director for the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee under Chairman Pat Roberts. She also held an earlier role with NPPC. A native of Dalton, Georgia, Cline holds degrees in agricultural communications from the University of Georgia and Oklahoma State University.
Betsy Rado is an associate director of public relations at Bader Rutter with over 20 years of experience in food and agriculture communications. She began her career as marketing director for Smithfield Foods, where she led branded retail marketing programs, and has since developed strategic communications for clients such as the National Pork Producers Council, Seaboard Foods, and Zoetis. Her work spans media relations, brand reputation, and B2B marketing across the pork and poultry industries. An award-winning communicator, Betsy is skilled at uncovering audience insights, shaping brand positioning, and aligning strategies with business goals. She crafts compelling content and executes targeted campaigns that engage media, industry decision makers, and external audiences. Betsy holds a journalism degree from Ohio University and lives in northwest Indiana.
What Does the Future Hold for U.S. Agriculture? Corey Geiger, CoBank U.S. and global agricultural markets are experiencing significant financial and sales shifts. How will these market forces impact farmers, processors, and retailers? Corey Geiger, from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division, will lean into research from his 10 teammates who work for one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy. This one-hour journey will delve into trends impacting food and beverage, animal protein, dairy, grain and oilseeds, farm supply and biofuels, rural infrastructure, and power, energy and water.
Corey Geiger is the Lead Dairy Economist at CoBank, a major credit provider to the dairy industry. Prior to joining the Farm Credit System, he spent nearly 30 years as an editor at Hoard’s Dairyman, helping launch its Chinese edition and reporting from 48 states and four continents. Geiger has held leadership roles with National Dairy Shrine, Holstein Association USA, and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. He serves on the boards of World Dairy Expo and the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and advises U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action. A sixth-generation farmer, Geiger is the author of two nationally awarded books that have sold over 8,000 copies. He was honored with UW-Madison’s Honorary Recognition Award in 2023 and named National Dairy Shrine’s 2024 Guest of Honor.
Megatrends 2025 and Beyond David Kohl
Get ready to connect global forces to local strategy. Dr. David Kohl explores the sweeping changes shaping agriculture’s future. From evolving dietary preferences to technology, productivity, trade, generational shifts and urbanization. This session breaks down complex global trends into actionable insights for producers and agribusinesses.
Dr. David Kohl serves as a Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, and President of AgriVisions, LLC, a knowledge-based consulting business providing cutting-edge programs to leading agricultural organizations worldwide. Over his career, he’s served as facilitator of the U.S. Farm Financial Standards Task Force, Chancellor of Farm Credit University, and business coach and part-owner of Homestead Creamery. Having received 11 major teaching awards while teaching over 10,000 students, Dr. Kohl remains one of the most respected and sought after voices in agriculture today.
What We’ve Heard and What It Means to Agri-Marketers David Parker, Curious Plot
David Parker wraps up our time together by connecting the dots between the most compelling insights from NAMA Nexus. This session will deliver a clear, practical summary of the trends and emerging priorities agri-marketers face today.
He challenges participants to reflect on three big questions: What is going on in the market? What are the implications? And what are you going to do about it? Parker helps translate the answers to these questions into clear, actionable steps for you to take home with you. You’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of where agriculture is headed and a game plan for staying ahead.
David Parkers is a nationally recognized speaker and facilitator who has delivered more than 3,500 presentations and strategic planning sessions across a wide range of industries. He is currently the Executive Vice President at Curious Plot, a hybrid marketing communications and consulting organization, and the founder of OTM, his own professional speaking and consulting firm. While David has worked across multiple industries, his expertise lies across all levels of the agribusiness value chain, with a special emphasis on retail.
