Ag issues take forefront at event

NORMAL – Concerns over the next farm bill and low commodity prices were front and center at this year’s Farm Assets Conference held at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal Tuesday.

This was the third year the University of Illinois has held the event, which was formerly known as the Commodity Conference. One of the organizers, Todd Gleason of University of Illinois Extension, was pleased with the turnout. Attendees had the chance to meet market analysts and other ag professionals.

“I like to bring the ag economists with me and the crop scientists so they really get a chance to deliver information directly to producers,” Gleason explained.

Gleason believes changes are coming to the farm bill and producers must prepare themselves for the battle which will take place in Washington.

Highlights from the Farm Assets Conference will be available at www.willag.org and on Gleason’s afternoon market program on WILL AM 580 radio. The bulk of the event will be posted online with the exception of the Farm Bill listening session.