From consumer trends and regulations to political movements and societal shifts, the business of agriculture is always changing. In his forward-looking, fast-paced session, Damian Mason connects the dots across the forces shaping the ag marketplace and brings it back to what matters most: what it means for you and your career. Through sharp commentary and a dose of humor, participants will gain a clear-eyed view of what’s impacting the business of ag today.
With a career built at the intersection of agriculture and business, Damian Mason travels the globe sharing practical insights on ag as an industry and economic enterprise — not simply a way of life. As an author, podcast host, and frequent media contributor, Mason discusses ag economics and rural affairs while dispelling misinformation in the industry. Raised on a dairy farm, he now owns and manages 300 acres of farm and timber land.
The Future of Food Depends on Technology, Health and New Partners David Donnan
The food and agriculture industry is being reshaped by the convergence of artificial intelligence, wearable health technologies, personalized nutrition, demographic shifts, healthcare costs and changing consumer expectations. In this keynote, David Donnan explores how these disruptive forces are transforming the future of food and why success will depend on new partnerships across technology, healthcare and data science. Attendees will gain practical insights and a strategic framework for navigating the next decade of change.
David Donnan is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and Partner Emeritus at Kearney, where he led the firm's global food and agriculture practice. A business leader, investor and advisor with extensive global experience in agriculture, food and retail, he is recognized for his expertise in consumer nutrition, technology and innovation. Donnan serves on several industry boards, mentors food and agriculture startups, and is a frequent keynote speaker on the future of food, health and consumer trends.
Ballots & Bushels: How the Next Election Will Reshape Agriculture Jim Wiesemeyer
What happens at the ballot box ripples through every acre of American agriculture. In this straight-talking session, Jim Wiesemeyer breaks down the upcoming election landscape and what it means for producers, agribusinesses, and the industry at large. Wiesemeyer evaluates key races, policy agendas, the Farm Bill, energy policy, trade and regulation — separating realistic outcomes from political rhetoric and explaining what’s likely to become law.
Jim Wiesemeyer is a trusted voice in Washington, covering politics and ag policy since 1978, reporting on and interviewing government officials ranging from Presidents Reagan and Carter to USDA Secretaries across administrations. He serves as a Washington analyst for Pro Farmer and is a twice-weekly contributor to Farm Journal's "AgriTalk" radio program. A frequent speaker on economic outlook, farm policy, and trade, Wiesemeyer brings decades of experience and perspective to every audience.
How Geopolitics, Weather, and Other Factors Are Influencing Ag Prices Shawn Hackett
Disruptive forces — weather changes, geopolitics, currency fluctuations, livestock diseases, interest rate shifts — have always shaped global ag economics. And today they’ve never been more complex or more consequential. Shawn Hackett will discuss the short, intermediate, and long-term patterns affecting agriculture, along with historical data showcasing their impacts on production and prices. The takeaway? Practical guidance on navigating today’s volatility and developing risk management practices.
Shawn Hackett has dedicated his career to educating ag leaders on financial risk management, hedging and indicator-based commodity price forecasting. Known for his ability to turn complex economic trends into accessible insights for a wide audience, Hackett's forecasting approach is grounded in his extensive research on long-term cycles. A regular contributor to Reuters, Bloomberg and "U.S. Farm Report," Hackett also publishes the Hackett Agricultural Report and Hackett Dairy Report.
Making Profits in Agriculture Today Michael Swanson The ag market is always moving. The question isn't whether to respond, but when and what to. In this session, Michael Swanson zeroes in on what's changing in the industry today — from currency exchange rates to biofuel impacts — and the real choices that make a real difference to producers and their input suppliers.
Michael Swanson is an agriculture economist and consultant for Wells Fargo, the largest commercial agriculture lender in the nation. He holds a doctorate in agricultural and applied economics and brings that depth of expertise to his work analyzing the impact of energy on ag, forecasting key commodities and covering livestock sectors spanning cattle, dairy, and hogs. Beyond forecasting, Swanson develops credit and risk strategies and conducts macroeconomic and international analysis on ag production and agribusiness.
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. 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. You’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of the future of ag and a game plan for staying ahead.
David Parker is a nationally recognized speaker and facilitator who has delivered more than 3,500 presentations and strategic planning sessions. 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.
