OABA Industry Conference Empowers Resiliency in Agribusinesses

More than 325 OABA members and industry professionals were on hand to engage in collaborative learning and networking at the organization’s annual Industry Conference, January 31-February 2 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville. Through a variety of sessions presented by well-respected speakers from across the country, the conference empowered resiliency in Ohio agribusinesses.

“OABA members displayed great resiliency overcoming adversity and trials facing the industry over the past several years,” said Christopher Henney, OABA president and CEO. “It was encouraging to once again bring our membership together to network and discuss industry trends and forecasts at this year’s Industry Conference.”

The conference addressed key topics in today’s agriculture industry, including economic outlook, nutrient supply, geopolitical impacts on agriculture, drone application, autonomous vehicles, farm gate viewpoint, livestock outlook, fertilizer efficiencies, mental health and wellness and hands-on sessions with agricultural weeds and insects, and much more. Notable speakers at the three-day event included David Widmar, AEI.ag; JP Nauseef, JobsOhio; Corey Rosenbusch, The Fertilizer Institute; and Ross Kennedy, Fortis Analysis.

At the Annual Meeting on Feb. 1, OABA recognized the recipients of the 2023 OABA Industry Excellence Awards.  Doug Bayless of Consolidated Grain & Barge, Co. received the Excellence in Customer Service Award and Cristen Cramer of Legacy Farmers Cooperative received the Achievement as an Emerging Leader Award. Mark Fritz was named an OABA Honorary Member.

During the annual meeting, OABA announced newly elected and re-electmembers to the Board of Directors, including Blake Rossel, Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC; Clark Carroll, Gerald Gain Center Bill Wallbrown, Deerfield Ag Services and Eric Rife, Beck’s Hybrids. Ed Burtch of Burtch Seed Company, Inc. was recognized for his service to the association after six consecutive years on the board.

The 2024 OABA Industry Conference will be held January 30 – February 1, 2024 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.