2017 FCC

In this session, we will explore the current administration’s direction on trade policy and how proposed tariffs and other trade restrictions could impact farmer cooperatives and their bottom line.
Sarah Gallo, Washington Representative, CHS Inc.

The direction to prioritize cybersercurity must come from cooperative management and the boardroom. Participants will learn how to assess risks, how to effectively support IT, and how to effectively monitor your cybersecurity program.
Tony Taylor, Sr. Director Infrastructure & Security, Land O’Lakes

As farms convert to LLCs, trusts, etc., how do we define who is the member? This panel will explore the challenges of defining membership and the impact on equity redemption plans, board eligibility, and mergers. Hal Clemensen, Chair, South Dakota Wheat Growers

As farms convert to LLCs, trusts, etc., how do we define who is the member? This panel will explore the challenges of defining membership and the impact on equity redemption plans, board eligibility, and mergers. Mark Cade, Board Chair, Compeer Financial

Speakers will provide their perspectives on consolidation and successful responses, including mergers, and strategic alliances.
Keri Jacobs, Assistant Professor, Iowa Institute for Cooperatives Endowed Professor, Iowa State University

Speakers will provide their perspectives on consolidation and successful responses, including mergers, and strategic alliances. Rich Sexton, Professor, Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of California-Davis

Speakers will provide their perspectives on consolidation and successful responses, including mergers, and strategic alliances. Alan Woodard, CEO, Comark Equity Alliance

Speakers will provide their perspectives on consolidation and successful responses, including mergers, and strategic alliances. Allan Wegner, Board Chair, MKC

As Europe’s largest farm supply cooperative, DLG has grown from operating solely in the Danish market to an international conglomerate with activities in 18 countries. This interactive session will explore changes to governance that come with expansion.
Neils Dengsø Jensen, Chairman, DLG
Mike Boland, Professor and Director, University of Minnesota Food Industry Center

This session will highlight the trends, challenges, and opportunities for farmer-owned cooperatives with a focus on policy.
Chuck Conner, President and CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

40 Square Cooperative Solutions is launching a joint self-insurance plan for Minnesota farmers. Panelists will share lessons learned and ideas for replication in other states. Jeff Nielsen, President & CEO, United Farmers Cooperative
Char Vrieze, Project Manager, 40 Square Cooperative Solutions

As the farm economy struggles with low commodity prices and depressed income, Congress prepares the next Farm Bill. In this session we will dive deep into how the bill will impact farmers.
Dr. Joe Outlaw, Professor and Extension Economist, Co-Director Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University

As the agribusiness industry continues to change with more mergers and acquisitions, Tennessee Farmers Co-op (TFC) proposed a structural change to unify its member co-ops and TFC into one, unified retail cooperative.
Jim McWherter, Chief Operating Officer, Tennessee Farmers Co-op
Kenneth Nixon, Board Chair, Tennessee Farmers Co-op