This Year

The mission of The Farmers’ Museum’s annual conference A Celebration of Our Agricultural Community is to inform and inspire farmers as well as the public, unifying and driving the agricultural economy in Central New York.  The Farmers’ Museum recognizes the importance of contemporary farming and is committed to providing resources and networking opportunities for regional farmers to connect with information, potential partners, and prospective customers. The Farmers’ Museum desires to be an active member of the farming community, educating people about useful practices from both yesterday and today.

At the same time, this conference will empower the public to become engaged consumers, providing opportunities for people to learn more and get involved. It is in fostering a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the various processes involved in farming, as well as the issues farmers face today, that we support and stimulate the agricultural evolution that is so vital to the health and well-being of our citizens, our animals, and our land. We start local to go global, becoming a dynamic force in the agricultural movement that will shape the 21st century.

With a focus on the theme Opportunities in Agriculture in 2019, the conference will provide essential tools and inspiration. Leading experts in the fields of education, business, production, technology, and more will teach about changes in agriculture and the many different options open today. Hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and long-time professionals alike will learn the latest and best information to grow their businesses and products in exciting ways, while also broadening capabilities. General attendees will develop a keen appreciation for the hard work and scientific expertise required to be engaged in agriculture today.

The face of agriculture is changing and the future is now! As farming adapts new practices and confronts major challenges, the opportunities are endless. This is an exciting time at The Farmers’ Museum – we shake the dust off the crops and usher in a new season of outreach and advancement!

Thank you for your support and participation!

The Farmers’ Museum Agricultural Conference

Conference Schedule

8:30 – 9:00 AM Check-In and Exhibitor Visits
9:00 – 9:05 AM Welcome and Introduction: John Ferguson (Director of Education, The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum)
9:05 – 9:20 AM Update from Albany: Agriculture Commissioner Ball
9:20 – 9:35 AM News from Washington: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado
9:35 – 10:00 AM Keynote Address: The Changing Face of Farming (There’s More to Ag Than Cows and Corn). Dr. Jason Evans SUNY Cobleskill
10:00 – 10:15 AM Break and Exhibitor Visits
10:15 – 11:15 PM Panel Discussion: Career Avenues Available: The Many Options in Agriculture
Panel Members: Dr. George Crosby, SUNY Cobleskill: Dr. Jason Evans; Mr. Jim
Barber, Cornell Cooperative Extension.
11:30 – 12:15 PM Lunch and Exhibitor Visits
12:15 – 12:45 PM Keynote Address: Importance of Education and Training
SUNY Cobleskill Dean Tim Moore
Panel Discussion: Education and Resources for the Ag Industry
Panel Members: David Cox, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Todd Heyn, Senior Field Advisor, NY Farm Bureau; Phoebe Schreiner, Center for Agricultural
Development & Entrepreneurship (CADE)

For more information contact John Ferguson j.ferguson@farmersmuseum.org