Educational Programming

AgExecutive Forum

October 9, 2008
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel
St. Louis, MO

(Welcome Reception
October 8, 2008 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

The AgExecutive Forum begins at 8:00 am (breakfast at 7:00 am) and will conclude at 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 9, 2008. You can pick up your name badge and meeting materials on Thursday morning beginning at 7:00 am inside the meeting room. Please refer to the AEM website for any updates to the agenda. Business casual dress is appropriate for this educational program. The Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel is located in downtown St. Louis, MO at 800 Washington Avenue. If you have not made your room reservation, please call (800) 468-3571 and mention "AEM" to receive the $109.00 rate/per night. Please make sure to reserve a room by Tuesday, September 23, 2008 or your rate may be higher. Please note the room block is based on availability and may sell out earlier. The hotel is 15 miles from Lambert International Airport. TransExpress runs a shuttle from the Lambert International Airport to the downtown St. Louis hotels. The cost is $15.00 one way and $25.00 roundtrip. For more information, please click here. Taxi Cabs are about $35.00 one way from Lambert International Airport to the hotel. The hotel is 2 blocks from the Convention Center MetroLink station. MetroLink is the light rail system that serves the greater St. Louis area including Lambert International Airport. The cost of a one way ticket is $3.50. For more information, visit the Metro St. Louis website. Parking at the hotel is $14.00 self/day and $25.00 valet/day.

Register Now!

Topics

Ed Schafer

Dr. Jay Lehr

Terry Francl

AEM AgExecutive Forum welcomes U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, who will address your specific concerns related to the future of agriculture in our global economy and how agribusiness and renewable energies will soon impact your business – if they haven't already.

Going Global in the Ag Industry: Trade Barriers, Obstacles and Partnerships
Economist and futurist Dr. Jay Lehr is science director with The Heartland Institute based in Chicago and senior scientist with Environmental Education Enterprises, Inc. in Ostrander, Ohio. Dr. Lehr is the author of 19 books including Water Encyclopedia: Surface and Agricultural Water and the Standard Handbook of Environmental Science, Health, and Technology. Dr. Lehr will share nearly 50 years of expertise in agricultural issues by discussing the global economic outlook on the industry. The energy impact as a result of biofuels, trade barriers, bilateral trade agreements and biotechnology are just a few of the issues that Dr. Lehr will address – all geared for you, the corporate ag leader.

Working on Your Behalf: AEM Public Policy Update
AEM addresses a number of public policy issues to meet the needs of agricultural equipment manufacturers. Nick Yaksich, Vice President, Global Public Policy of AEM will deliver the latest updates on AEM's legislative priorities – the same ones that sit on the forefront of many ag executives' priorities.

Renewable Energy: What are the Real Costs and Benefits?
With the cost of oil continuing to rise, renewable energy sources such as ethanol are gaining more attention. Learn more about how the corn-based fuel is saving America's taxpayers and consumers money and spurring jobs as well as economic growth in rural areas. Senior Economist Terry Francl from the American Farm Bureau Federation will address this source of renewable energy and its future impact.

The Energy for America's Future – 25x'25
If Al Rider has his "say so," by 2025, America's farms, forests, and ranches will provide 25% of the country's energy needs. America's land mass can capture energy from crops, waste products, wind and sun and convert the energy into useable forms for the production of transportation fuels and the generation of electricity. Learn how the production of this renewable energy will require new machinery to be developed for the changes in production, harvesting and processing practices. Allen Rider is a former president of New Holland North America and a current member of the 25x'25 Steering Committee. Mr. Rider will give an update on the status of the 25x'25 committee's goals and provide attendees with the committee's next course of action.

The Trending of Commodities
Where are We Headed?
Any discussion of the commodity situation and outlook has to begin with a reference to recent developments in world energy markets. The demand globally for biofuels has significantly impacted commodity prices as energy use from crops continues to grow. This lively panel representing three agricultural commodities will discuss key policy issues for commodities along with discussion on supply and demand, exports, acreage, crop prices, input and production costs as well as a forecast on where the industry is headed. Those participating include, Fred Stemme, vice president of marketing, National Corn Growers Association, Steve Censky, chief executive officer, American Soybean Association, and Alan Tracy, president, U.S. Wheat Associates.

Unfortunately, Dr. J.B. Penn had to cancel his presentation at this year's AEM AgExecutive Forum. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Location

The AgExecutive Forum will be held at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel which is located in downtown St. Louis, MO at 800 Washington Avenue. Make your room reservation by calling (800) 468-3571 and mention "AEM" to receive the $109.00 rate/per night. You can also make a reservation online. Reserve a room by Tuesday, September 23 or your rate may be higher. Please note the room block is based on availability and may sell out earlier.

The hotel is 15 miles from Lambert International Airport. The MetroLink light rail system services Lambert International Airport and the Convention Center MetroLink station is two blocks from the Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites Hotel. The cost of a one way ticket is $3.50. For more information, please go to www.metrostlouis.org/default.asp. TransExpress runs a shuttle from the Lambert International Airport to the downtown St. Louis hotels. The cost is $15.00 one way and $25.00 roundtrip. For more information, please go to www.transexpress-stl.com/Pages/airport.html. Taxi Cabs are about $35.00 one way from Lambert International Airport to the hotel. Parking at the hotel is $14.00 self/day and $25.00 valet/day.

Program Manager
David Wood, 414-298-4135.

Registration Questions?
Amy Laskowski, 414-274-0659.