USDA's annual Agricultural Outlook Forum set for February

The 92nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held Feb. 25-26 in Arlington, Virginia with the theme this year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, of “Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition.”

American farmers found 2015 to be challenging with unprecedented drought and animal disease. Technology also changed in many different ways this year from the producers to every aspect of farming. The USDA Forum will focus on ways to provide better opportunities and support for farmers and rural America.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will be part of The Plenary panel’s presentation entitled "Providing Leadership for Present and Future Generations in the Transformation of Agriculture," in addition to 30 concurrent track sessions on subjects such as Agriculture Talent Pipeline, Bio-products, Commodities, Land and Tenure Transition, New Markets, Organics, Risk Management, Scientific Advancement, Trade, and Urban Agriculture.

Other speakers of note are former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who is now president of Purdue University; USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson, who will present "The 2016 Economic Outlook for Agriculture;” and Howard Buffett, the CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

The Agricultural Outlook Forum is the largest annual meeting hosted by the USDA.