About
About
The Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum brings together leaders from across the agricultural sector to explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Wisconsin agriculture.
Theme
Trade has become a major issue for U.S. agriculture. After more than 60 years of agricultural trade surpluses, the nation is now running significant trade deficits. This shift has major implications for Wisconsin, where exports of dairy products, meats, processed vegetables, and specialty crops such as cranberries, dry beans, and ginseng play a critical role in the farm economy. Raw commodities—including corn, soybeans, and dairy genetics—also remain vital export products.
At the same time, rising input costs and low crop prices have contributed to a downturn in the farm economy, with increases in farm loan distress and bankruptcy filings. In response, farm groups across the country are calling for additional federal assistance, and another ad hoc support program appears likely.
he 2026 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum will explore these issues by focusing on the Wisconsin Experience in Agriculture and Trade. Some measures show that Wisconsin seems to be bucking these national trends. Is this view accurate? Will this trend continue? Which agricultural sectors are struggling in the state? Which are thriving? What factors drives these different experiences with current trade issues in Wisconsin?
Register
Register
Registration will open in November 2025!
| Registration Type | Before 12/23/2025 | After 12/23/2025 |
| In person | $75 | $100 |
| Virtual | Free | Free |
Thank you to our generous sponsors for reducing the cost of this event for all attendees!
Who Should Attend and Why
Who Should Attend the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum?
While everyone is welcome, the majority of past attendees have been:
- Agribusiness Professionals
- Policy Makers and Government Officials
- Researchers, Faculty, and Students
- Financial and Risk Management Professionals
- Advocacy and Nonprofit Organizations
- Farmers and Producers
- Media and Communications Professionals
- Community and Industry Leaders
Why Should you Attend the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum?
The Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum features UW researchers, economists, and industry experts to share insights on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Wisconsin agriculture and agribusiness.
-
Timely Insights: Learn from leading experts on the latest economic, policy, and market trends affecting Wisconsin agriculture.
-
Relevant Topics: Sessions are shaped with input from state leadership, legislators, and academics to ensure discussions reflect the most pressing issues for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.
-
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, policymakers, and industry leaders who are helping to define the future of Wisconsin agriculture.
-
The Wisconsin Experience: Gain perspectives rooted in the state’s unique agricultural strengths, challenges, and innovations.
Whether you are a producer, agribusiness professional, student, or policymaker, the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum equips you with knowledge and connections to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
"It is the best ag-focused meeting you can attend all year!"
2025 Agricultural Outlook Forum attendee
Agenda
| 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. CT | Registration & Morning Coffee |
| 9:30 – 9:40 a.m. CT | Welcome |
| 9:40 – 10:30 a.m. CT | Wisconsin Agricultural Economy and Farm Income |
| 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. CT | Networking Break |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT | Commodity Updates: Grain, Livestock, and Dairy |
| 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. CT | International Trade & Wisconsin Farms |
| 2:15 – 2:45 p.m. CT | Networking Break |
| 2:45 – 4:00 p.m. CT | International Trade & Wisconsin’s Agricultural Economy |
| 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. CT | Reception |
Venue & Parking
Union South – Varsity Hall – 2nd Floor
1308 W Dayton St., Madison, WI
Driving Directions
Parking
For added convenience, you may purchase a parking pass for $20 during registration to secure parking for the day of the Forum.
Visitor parking will likely be available in Lot 17 (1525 Engineering Drive: Map) and Lot 20 (1390 University Avenue: Map), both within 2–3 blocks of Union South on the day of the Forum.
We recommend checking the Visitor Parking Availability.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is comprised of Wisconsin State leadership, members of the State Legislature, and academics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Together, they help guide the planning of the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum by identifying timely issues, shaping the conference theme, and recommending speakers who bring valuable perspectives.
Their involvement ensures the Forum remains a relevant and impactful event for Wisconsin’s agricultural and agribusiness community, while also helping to elevate the visibility of issues that matter most to farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state.
We are grateful for the Advisory Committee’s support and commitment to making the Forum a trusted space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration in Wisconsin agriculture.
- Jeremy Beach, Associate Director, Renk Agribusiness Institute
- Jeff Hadacheck, Assistant Professor, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Sen. Sarah Keyeski, 14th Senate District, Wisconsin Senate
- Paul Mitchell, Department Chair and Professor, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Madi Potratz, Communications Specialist,UW–Madison Division of Extension Agriculture Institute
- Randy Romanski, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Matt Ruark, Professor and Extesnion Soil Scientist, UW-Madison Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences
- Guanming Shi, Renk Agribusiness Chair and Professor, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Andrew Stevens, Associate Professor, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Rep. Travis Tranel, 49th Assembly District, Wisconsin State Assembly
- Trisha Wagner, Farm Management Outreach Program Manager, UW-Extension Farm Management
- Kelly T. Wilfert, Farm Law Statewide Outreach Specialist, UW-Extension Farm Management
Sponsor
Sponsoring the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to Wisconsin agriculture while gaining visibility with producers, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, researchers, and organizations that support the agricultural community.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Visibility & Recognition – Showcase your organization to a diverse audience of agricultural stakeholders from across Wisconsin.
- Engagement & Connections – Build relationships business leaders, legislators, and academics who are shaping the future of agriculture.
- Thought Leadership – Align your brand with timely discussions on the economic, policy, and market forces impacting Wisconsin agriculture.
- Support for the Community – Help make possible a forum that brings together voices from across the agricultural landscape to share insights, exchange ideas, and strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural economy.
Your sponsorship ensures that the Forum remains accessible, relevant, and impactful—while highlighting your organization’s role as a trusted partner in advancing Wisconsin agriculture.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Megan Webster at mawebster@wisc.edu or 608-890-1048.
