Register now to attend Oct. 30 Rural Economic Outlook Conference at OSU

Friday, October 9, 2015

Lowell Catlett, an internationally renowned futurist known for his knowledge of technologies and upbeat presentations, will be the featured speaker at the Rural Economic Outlook Conference taking place Oct. 30 on Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus.

Honored as an adviser and teacher before his retirement from New Mexico State University, Catlett has been a consultant for the U.S. departments of agriculture, defense, interior and labor, as well as many Fortune 500 companies.

“This is an outstanding opportunity to hear and interact with Dr. Catlett, who is an exciting speaker with insights on trends in health care, agriculture, the environment, education and more,” said Damona Doye, OSU Rainbolt Chair of Agricultural Finance with the university’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Doye added that agricultural lenders, rural leaders and others who wish to participate should register immediately to ensure they are able to hear Catlett and other conference experts address expectations regarding the rural economy and agriculture.

Cost of attending the conference is $50 if registering by Oct. 23 and $70 thereafter or at the door. Registration includes the Oct. 29 catered reception and breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks during the Oct. 30 conference.

Registration forms are available online at https://secure.touchnet.cm/C20271_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1884 or by contacting Kareta Casey of the department of agricultural economics at 405-744-9836.

Participants are asked to pre-register, if possible.

“Not only is there a cost savings, it greatly aids the planning process and helps ensure that sufficient numbers of meals, refreshments and conference materials are on hand,” Doye said. “We want to make the conference as useful and enjoyable as possible to all participants.”

The 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday conference will take place at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, located on Hester Street across from the Student Union.

In addition to Catlett’s presentation on six trends that people cannot afford to miss, conference speakers will provide insights about big data and the role of technology, how soil may be Earth’s most valuable asset, the overall economic outlook, panels detailing agricultural finance and the grain and livestock markets, and updates of key DASNR research and Extension efforts.

Conference sponsors include DASNR, Payne County Bank, BancCentral, BancFirst, Interbank, the Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma, Farm Bureau, and American Farmers and Ranchers.