One of the highlights of the recent AG CONNECT Expo was the Masters and Mavericks Producer Panel Discussion that took center stage at the show. Chuck caught up with a couple of guys taking part in that panel: master Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, and “maverick” Indiana farmer Kip Tom (who likes to say he’s a little bit of both). They talked about the future of the ag industry.

“We talked about public policy [and] some of the drivers in industry trying to make us more efficient like utilizing technology to understand how we can feed that growing global population,” said Kip.

Rick echoed those sentiments, telling producers to be prepared for more volatility. “Last year we had a drought that really changed the landscape of what we were doing… two years ago, we had a flood. So what will this year bring?” He recommended that farmers make and keep a long-term plan because that volatility gives them a chance to be more than just a producer… to be a marketer.

Kip added that a show like AG CONNECT is really important as a venue to get information to keep producers competitive. “This show is obvious that farmers are looking to reinvest in their businesses to make sure they remain efficient and are prepared for the future.”

You can listen to Chuck’s interviews with Kip and Rick here: Interview with Kip Tom Interview with Rick Tolman

2013 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album