The Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain Forum is being held a little later than usual in 2014, but it is now under a month away, scheduled for March 13 at the Marriott Indianapolis, 350 W Maryland Street. The event was moved to help avoid January and February weather issues and that move could really pay off this year.
Megan Kuhn from Indiana Corn and Soybean says the Forum is for all Indiana farmers, including those who haven’t yet attended one of these winter events.
“For farmers who haven’t been before it really is a great day where we really take a big issue and drill down to explain what it is, why you should care about it and how it affects your farm. It’s a great way to learn about something you might not have thought about before and it’s a great networking opportunity. We do have about 500 farmers and industry folks from around the state and we do have time for people to mix and mingle along with a small trade show.”
Farming with Big Data and what it means to your farming operation is this year’s big topic and the keynote speaker is Kenneth Cukier, data editor at The Economist and co-author of “Big Data: A Revolution that Will Transform How We Work, Live and Think.”
“He’s taken a look at what big data is and how this revolution as he calls it is going to affect our entire lives. Then we’re going to break that down once we’ve heard that and our minds are blown away on that, we’re actually going to narrow that down and do a panel discussion on what big data means for agriculture. We’re really excited that Sarah Wyant of Agri-Pulse Communications based out of Washington, DC is going to come in and moderate that panel.”
Kuhn said they’re hoping for farmers who’ve incorporated data into their operations to be part of the panel, along with industry representatives with data experience.
During lunch there is a private, advance screening of the new film, Farmland planned. The movie takes an intimate look at the lives of farmers and ranchers in their ’20s, all of whom are now responsible for running their farming business. The film was made with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.
Registration for the Forum will earn you a copy of Cukier’s best-selling book courtesy of Indiana Soybean Alliance, plus breakfast and lunch, and the fee has been cut in half this year to $25.
Pre-registration is required at www.indianasoybean.com/forum.