COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio AgriBusiness Association brought together members and industry professionals to engage in its first-ever virtual Industry Conference January 27-29, 2021. Participants experienced a variety of sessions presented by well-respected speakers from across the country, as well as the opportunity to network through Exhibitor Showcase, Speaker Connect and Daily Drop-in.
“We appreciate our members’ willingness to come along with us to experience the Industry Conference in a new, virtual format,” said Christopher Henney, OABA president and CEO. “We were pleased to see participants engaging with speakers, exhibitors and fellow participants throughout the conference.”
The conference addressed key topics in today’s agriculture industry, such as economic outlook, insects, soil health, political impact outlook, export markets, precision planting, hemp, sulfur & potassium, N economics, water hemp, grain and oilseed markets, ethanol outlook, meat processing industry & demand, customer focus, international trade & policy and disruptors in the grain world.
“2020 was full of industry-changing disruptors, impacting all segments of agriculture,” said Henney. “At this year’s conference, attendees were challenged to reevaluate those disruptions and realize a path toward positive change for their businesses.”
At the start of the virtual event, participants were inspired by John O’Leary, who was burned on 100 percent of his body at 9-years-old. His story reminded attendees to remember the significance of daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and the impact of serving others with courage.
Other notable speakers at the event included Dan Kowalski, CoBank; Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta; industry sector leaders, and several educators and researchers from Central State University, Michigan State University, University of Missouri, The Ohio State University, Purdue University and Texas A&M University.
Before the General Session on Jan. 28, OABA recognized the recipients of the 2021 OABA Industry Excellence Awards, sponsored by ABIS/J.H. Ward – Assured Partners. Becky Williams-Wagner of 3Bar Biologics, Inc. received the Excellence in Safety & Stewardship Award; Dustin Ramsier of Tyler Grain & Fertilizer Co. received the Achievement as an Emerging Leader Award. OABA also reinstituted its Honorary Member Award and recognized all past Board Chairs as Honorary Members.
The Industry Conference is available on-demand for all registrants. By accessing sessions on-demand, attendees may view sessions they missed, or reexperience sessions they most enjoyed, while also earning the CCA credit associated with the session. Sessions will be available until April 30 and registration will remain open for those who would now like to purchase access to the on-demand content.
The Industry Conference continues February 3 with Safety & Risk Management Day, which is included in conference registration for all participants. The tenth annual OABA Industry Conference will be held January 25-27, 2022 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville.
— Ohio AgriBusiness Association
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