Will Fellmeth, Chief Drone Remote Pilot at Nutrien Ag Solutions, discussed the integration of drones in agriculture. Drones enhance efficacy, access hard-to-reach areas, and reduce field invasiveness. Common applications include fungicides in Illinois and various pesticides in California. Fellmeth talks about other benefits, including increased product penetration and precise application. Future trends include swarming technology, larger drones, and precision agriculture. Nutrien's training program ensures compliance with FAA regulations.

Farm Rescue, a 20-year-old nonprofit organization, assists farm and ranch families in crisis by providing volunteers and equipment. The organization spends several million dollars annually to help families. Sullivan Auctioneers, led by Cody Holst, is hosting a vintage tractor auction on August 27 to support Farm Rescue. The auction will feature rare vintage tractors, including a John Deere 4230, and other unique items. Bidding will start two weeks prior to the auction date, both online and on-site at the Farm Progress show. Farm Rescue has helped over 1,200 families in 10 states and encourages those in need to reach out for assistance.

Nathan Trout, co-founder of Trout Meats LLC, discussed the establishment of a USDA-inspected custom meat processing plant in Otis, Colorado. The facility will handle beef, goats, sheep, and pork, but not wild game. Trout emphasized the importance of employee safety and quality control, aiming for an August opening. The plant, located eight miles north of Otis, will employ around eight staff. Trout highlighted the demand for their services, with pre-scheduled appointments for October and November. He also noted the industry's concentration and the benefits of direct-to-consumer sales for farmers and ranchers.

Reaction to Denver's campaign encouraging its citizens to eat less meat and more plant-based proteins in the name of protecting the climate. 

Kathleen Ruhter, a bison producer in Douglas County, Illinois, discusses her journey into bison ranching, starting in 2012. She currently manages 30 bison at her ranch and has a contract with McHenry County Conservation District for an additional 20-25 bison. Challenges include finding suitable land, managing pastures, and addressing copper deficiencies. Her operation includes breeding and meat herds, educational programming, and ecotourism through an Airbnb and farm-to-table store. The bison industry in Illinois is growing, but faces issues like land affordability and veterinary knowledge.

Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, discussed the U.S. beef industry's challenges, including a 74-year low in cattle numbers due to droughts and high input costs. Cattle prices are high, with all-fresh beef at $8.63 per pound, up 13% year-over-year for sirloins, and 11% for ground beef. Consumer demand remains strong, driven by preferences developed during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Expanding herds is difficult due to high costs and interest rates. The potential impact of foot-and-mouth disease and tick issues could further complicate matters. Additionally, John Deere responds to the EPA's proposed renewable fuel volumes.

Derek Heckman, a Colorado corn farmer and Colorado Corn Promotion Council board member, discussed the recent Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., where 126 delegates and numerous association members gathered. Key topics included the election of four new board members and efforts to promote E15 fuel, which could potentially move 2 billion bushels of corn annually. Heckman emphasized the need for year-round E15 mandates to alleviate low corn prices and high input costs. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of trade, particularly the impact of tariffs and the need for improved river locks to facilitate trade. He also mentioned the benefits of increased funding for market development programs.

Nutrien Ag Solutions,  Nutrient Agronomy Trial Lead, Hayley Underwood, discusses the importance of research-backed insights for growers to adopt new farming practices and technologies. She emphasizes the need for on-farm trials to validate products before market release, citing examples like Loveland-based nutritional products and fungicide applications. Underwood highlights regional-specific protocols, such as addressing boron and manganese deficiencies in Eastern Illinois, and the collaborative effort to innovate and improve agronomic practices. 

Total Farm Marketing Senior Market Advisor and Vice President of Brokerage Solutions, Bryan Doherty.

Kole Kelley, an attorney at Fennemore Craig PC in Denver, discussed his background in agriculture and his focus on succession planning. He highlighted the importance of securing payments, managing water rights, and mineral rights in Colorado. Kelley shared his personal experience of transitioning his family's farm after his father's passing, emphasizing the need for open communication and proper planning. Key legal tools for succession planning include trusts, LLCs, and wills. He stressed the importance of early planning to avoid costly legal battles and ensure family goals are met, advocating for professional advice to navigate the complexities of agricultural succession.