OSU hosting annual Rural Economic Outlook Conference Nov. 1

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Agribusiness leaders interested in gaining insight into the latest industry trends should register now for the 2013 Rural Economic Outlook Conference next month on Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus.

Set for Nov. 1, the conference will highlight a variety of topics relevant to decision makers in business and government agencies across Oklahoma, and is specifically aimed at agricultural lenders, government officials, agribusiness leaders and producers.

“This is an opportunity for leaders in this field to hear and discuss key considerations they should be thinking about for the coming year,” said Damona Doye, acting agricultural economics department head at OSU.

The registration fee before Oct. 25 is $50, and the cost to register at the door is $70. The fee includes a reception beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 and a full slate of sessions the following day at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Click Family Alumni Hall.

To register online and pay by credit card visit http://orangehub.okstate.edu and select “Agricultural Economics.” Or download the registration brochure at www.agecon.okstate.edu/extension/ruralconference.asp, and mail it along with the registration fee to the address on the form.

Additionally, a block of rooms has been reserved for Oct. 31 at the Atherton Hotel at OSU. Call 405-744-6835 or email stay@okstate.edu to make reservations not later than Oct. 18, and reference block code REC or OSU RURAL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.

This year’s conference keynote speaker will be Joel Kotkin, author of “The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050.”

“Joel’s review of and research into demographics provides key insights into prospects for economic growth,” Doye said. “He slices and dices data in different ways to address potential shifts in where people will live and work, as well as what they aspire to do, and what all that means for agricultural and the rural economy.”

Based on evaluations from the 2012 conference, this year’s event will feature a special focus on water issues affecting agriculture and rural Oklahoma. Also, a panel of OSU experts will offer their current perspectives on Oklahoma law and the grain and livestock markets.

“As in past conferences, we’ve tried to feature a variety of timely issues, all of them relevant to decision makers in business and government agencies across the state,” Doye said. “Everyone who attends will get a unique chance to access up-to-date information and be challenged in their thinking by experts.”

For questions or more information, contact Kareta Casey at 405-744-9836.