New farm bill, trade topics focus of Texas Ag Forum March 18

AUSTIN – An overview of the new farm bill along with price and trade outlook on a variety of agricultural commodities will be featured at the Texas Ag Forum scheduled March 18 at the Hilton Austin Airport, 9515 Hotel Drive in Austin. For more than 31 years, the Texas Ag Forum has increased stakeholder knowledge of policy and market issues important to Texas agricultural producers and commodity leaders by providing informative analysis, said Dr. Joe Outlaw, Texas Ag Forum secretary and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, College Station. “We will be covering the major changes in the new farm bill as well as a comprehensive trade outlook for both crops and livestock products,” Outlaw said. “This will include a look at the sensitivity of commodity prices to changes in exports and both short and longterm views on trade and outlook for U.S. meats, grains and fibers.” Scheduled speakers include: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, update from Washington. Gary Six, Texas executive director, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency, College Station, update on Texas Farm Service Agency. Bart Fischer, deputy staff director and chief economist, U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Washington, 2018 farm bill development and details. Erin Borrer, economist, U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, global red meat trade and where the U.S. could expand. Lyndsey Erb, director of industry relations, U.S. Grains Council, Washington, outlook for U.S. feed grain exports. Jason Hafemeister, USDA trade counsel, USDA-Office of the Secretary, Washington, long-term view on trade prospects. Pat Westhoff, Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute director, University of Missouri, sensitivity of commodity prices to exports. Advanced registration is $150 prior to March 15 and covers attendance and meals. Same day registration is $175. Register with Christy Lewis at the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council,

(512) 450-0555. Also register with the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, (979) 845-5913. Pay by mail or in person at the event after registration. Mail payment to Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Department of Agricultural Economics, 351 AGLS Building, 2124 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2124.