More about the Horizon Conference.
We are navigating an ever-changing world and have a responsibility to ensure that change is for the better. The world needs capable, confident leaders in production agriculture to ensure a future for all.
The Horizon Conference is for junior and senior FFA members and alumni ages 18 to 24. You experience engaging speakers, panels, roundtables, industry experts and opportunities to connect. You will use technology to spark new ideas, share perspectives, and potential solutions to face the challenges ahead.
Registration has been extended to Jan. 8, 2021, but space is limited so register now!
Customize Your Experience
You choose your Horizon Conference experience by registering for one of three tracks. Each track has a mixture of workshops, panels and more. Choose a track with topics that interest you.
In this track, you’ll learn about the techniques and technologies being used to create the future of argriculture.
In this track, you’ll find out what skills you need to be an agricultural entrepreneur.
whether it’s direct to consumer sales or advocating for agriculture, in this track you’ll discover ways to connect with the end consumer.
Conference Sponsors
Track 1: The Future of Agriculture
What you’ll learn:
- How Welker Farms uses data and connectivity with Case IH to make decisions on their farm
- What your future in sustainable agriculture might look like
- what are the innovations, trends, and technologies influencing production agriculture
You will explore:
- How Comfort Farms empowers and supports veterans
- What a day in the life of a shrimp farmer is like at RDM Shrimp
- How lettuce is grown without soil at Revolution Farms
- Inside Case IH’s virtual reality lab
You will connect:
- With other young producers in your region
- With other young producers who want to work in the same industry
- With industry leaders
Sessions in The Future of Agriculture
| Session Title | Presenters |
|---|---|
| Welker Farms Meets the Digital Age | Nick Welker, Welker Farms Kirk Wesley, Case IH |
| Find Your Place in the Future of Sustainable Agriculture | Anjali Marok, Corteva Agriscience |
| Innovative Solutions Panel | Nutrien Ag Solutions |
| Agricultural Productivity Drives a Sustainable Future | Ann Steensland, Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative |
| Cultivating a Healthy Mind | Tara Haskins, AgriSafe Linda Emanuel, AgriSafe |
| Doing Good for Your Future | Nate Clark, John Deere Foundation |
| How Tires are Adapting to a Changing Transportation Model | Brian Goldstine, Firestone Tony Orlando, Firestone |
| Case IH VR Lab Virtual Tour and Q&A | Andrew Brokaw, Case IH |
| RDM Shrimp Virtual Tour and Q&A | Karlanea Brown, RDM Shrimp |
| Revolution Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Margeaux Bouwkamp, Revolution Farms |
| Comfort Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Jon Jackson, STAG Vets and Comfort Farms |
| Regional Connection Session | National FFA Alumni |
| Industry Connection Session | National FFA Alumni |
Tell me more about the other tracks.
Track 2: Entrepreneurial Skills
What you’ll learn:
- How to plan for family succession and navigate the difficult conversations that come with it
- Tools to help finance your operation
- Tactics to build and manage teams
You will explore:
- How Comfort Farms empowers and supports veterans
- What a day in the life of a shrimp farmer is like at RDM Shrimp
- How lettuce is grown without soil at Revolution Farms
- Inside Case IH’s virtual reality lab
You will connect:
- With other young producers in your region
- With other young producers who want to work in the same industry
- With industry leaders
Sessions in Entrepreneurial Skills
| Session Title | Presenters |
|---|---|
| Finance Tools for Your Operation | John Maman, Nutrien Ag Solutions |
| Family Business Succession Planning Basics | Barbara Dartt, Family Business Consulting Group |
| Keeping the Peace: Navigating Family Succession Planning Conversations | Rose Hartschuh |
| What is a Cooperative? Agriculture Cooperatives 101 | Alan Green, NAAE Ellen Thompson, NAAE |
| Using Credit and Earning Profits | Gary Matteson, Farm Credit |
| Case IH VR Lab Virtual Tour and Q&A | Andrew Brokaw, Case IH |
| Managing Teams to Support Production Agriculture | New Holland Agriculture |
| RDM Shrimp Virtual Tour and Q&A | Karlanea Brown, RDM Shrimp |
| Revolution Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Margeaux Bouwkamp, Revolution Farms |
| Comfort Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Jon Jackson, STAG Vets and Comfort Farms |
| Building Your Network | National FFA Alumni |
| Industry Connection Session | National FFA Alumni |
Tell me more about the other tracks.
Track 3: Connecting with Consumers
What you’ll learn:
- Strategies on using social media to connect to consumers
- Methods for building a strong brand
- How successful farmers are marketing direct to consumers
You will explore:
- How Comfort Farms empowers and supports veterans
- What a day in the life of a shrimp farmer is like at RDM Shrimp
- How lettuce is grown without soil at Revolution Farms
- Inside Case IH’s virtual reality lab
You will connect:
- With other young producers in your region
- With other young producers who want to work in the same industry
- With industry leaders
Sessions in Connecting with Consumers
| Session Title | Presenters |
|---|---|
| From the Farmers: How to Market Direct to Consumers | Emma Henning, Successful Farming |
| Connecting to Consumers with Confidence | Doyle Karr, Corteva Agriscience Roxi Beck, Center for Food Integrity |
| Two-Track Mind | Brent Smith, Nutrien Ag Solutions |
| Building a Brand | TBA |
| Utilizing Social Media to Reach Consumers | TBA |
| Case IH VR Lab Virtual Tour and Q&A | Andrew Brokaw, Case IH |
| RDM Shrimp Virtual Tour and Q&A | Karlanea Brown, RDM Shrimp |
| Revolution Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Margeaux Bouwkamp, Revolution Farms |
| Comfort Farms Virtual Tour and Q&A | Jon Jackson, STAG Vets and Comfort Farms |
| Regional Connection Session | National FFA Alumni |
| Industry Connection Session | National FFA Alumni |
