2016 NCOSAFP Annual Conference

The National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs is heading to Columbus, Ohio for its 2016 Annual Conference. This year's conference will focus on the variety of industries that makes up Ohio's agricultural base and the financing programs that are used to help grow and sustain this important economic driver in the state. The Annual Agricultural Finance Conference will be an interactive three-day event providing a forum for sharing ideas and gaining new insight and information in the agriculture industry. Highlights include tours, dining adventures, and a in-depth panel discussions, interactive events, and more. View the conference agenda below and register today to secure your spot at the 2016 NCOSAFP Annual Conference!

Register Today!

To become a sponsor of the 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference, view the sponsor prospectus or contact NCO at 614-705-1302.

The following is the preliminary agenda for the 2016 NCOSAFP Annual Conference. A detailed agenda with session descriptions will be released soon. Check back often for updated information. Sunday, October 2, 2016
7:00 pm	NCOSAFP Board Meeting
Monday, October 3, 2016
8:30 am	Continental Breakfast
9:00 am	Opening Remarks
9:30 - 10:30 am	Ohio Agricultural Outlook
Nearly 50% of Ohio’s available land is classified as farm land, making it 5th in the United States for total land dedicated to agriculture. In addition to Ohio’s long history of manufacturing strength, its agricultural base is diverse, including corn and soy, along with apples, peaches, livestock, and greenhouse crops. During this opening session, hear from the state’s agricultural experts as they discuss the outlook for agriculture and how they expect this important economic driver to grow in the years to come. Speaker: David Daniels Director Ohio Department of Agriculture
10:30 - 10:45 am	Networking Break
10:45 - 11:45 am	Ohio Agribusiness Development
Agribusiness is a vital component to Ohio’s agriculture industry, and the development of businesses in this arena continues to be a key focus of the state. These businesses are centered around the processing, distribution and manufacturing of food, and they often require capital intensive financing and investment. This session will feature a discussion about the agribusiness economy in Ohio and the financing tools and program that are used to help support these businesses. Speaker: Tracy Allen Manager of Credit and Finance JobsOhio
11:45 am - 12:00 pm	Networking Break & Loading the Bus
12:00 - 12:30 pm	Hosted Lunch on the Bus
12:30 - 5:30 pm	Tour: Agricultural Development with The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) is a major player in the development and research of Ohio’s agriculture economy. During this afternoon tour, we’ll take a short 15-minute bus ride north of downtown Columbus to the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resource Laboratory. Here, we'll receive a tour of the farm and see some of the work that OSU students and researchers are engaged in, including crop and soil exploration along with dairy and turf sciences. The tour will continue to the Beef and Sheep Centers at OSU to learn more about their approaches to livestock development and will end at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center at OSU to learn more about the university’s work in crop development and conservation. Speakers: John Lemmermen Dairy Farm Manager Waterman Agriculture and Natural Resources Laboratory The Ohio State University Gregg Fogle Manager - Sheep Center The Ohio State University Matthew Sullivan Superintendent, Molly Caren Agricultural. Center The Ohio State University
6:00 - 7:00 pm	Networking Reception & Dinner
Join a special reception and dinner hosted by the law firm of Bricker & Eckler LLP. Housed in the first United States Courthouse and Post Office (built in 1884), the Bricker & Eckler offices are adjacent to the Ohio Statehouse and located within walking distance of the CDFA offices. Speakers: Price Finley Partner Bricker & Eckler LLP Chris Slagle Partner Bricker & Eckler LLP
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
8:00 - 9:00 am	Breakfast and NCOSAFP Membership Meeting
NCOSAFP Members are encouraged to attend this important meeting to learn more about the growth of the association, important legislative developments, and ongoing business of the membership.
9:00 - 10:15 am	Development of Ohio's Rural Communities
Maintaining active and healthy rural communities is a key priority of the state, especially because these communities help to boost the strength of the agricultural industry. This session will look at some of the steps Ohio has taken to support rural communities and the financing mechanisms employed to support main street development, community facilities, and rural infrastructure. Speaker: Tony Logan State Director Rural Development U.S. Department of Agriculture
10:15 - 10:30 am	Networking Break
10:30 - 11:45 am	Financing Ohio's First Time Farmers
First time farmers face several barriers when entering the industry, and Ohio’s farmers are no different. From struggling with the initial start-up costs and taxes to managing land, machinery, and crops, first time farmers often struggle to maintain both an operational and profitable business. During this session, hear about some of the strategies that first time farmers in Ohio have utilized to be successful along with the various programs offered to support this promising sector. Speakers: Steven Maurer Director, Ohio Farm Service Agency U.S Department of Agriculture Brandon Kern Senior Director for Policy Outreach Ohio Farm Bureau Paul Dorrance Owner Pastured Providence Farmstead
11:45 am - 12:00 pm	Networking Break & Loading the Bus
12:00 - 12:30 pm	Hosted Lunch on the Bus
12:30 - 9:00 pm	Tour: Emerging Agricultural Industries (Dinner Provided)
Even though Ohio’s largest crops are soy and corn, the state’s agricultural industry and local farmers continue push the boundaries and seek new opportunities for expanded business and diversity in crops. This tour will focus on some of the exciting developments in the state, including a look at emerging industries for hops and breweries along with a stop at the main offices of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, just outside of downtown Columbus. Dinner will be provided during this tour, and we are expected to return to Columbus around 9:00pm. Speakers: Dr. Beverly Byrum Director of Laboratories Ohio Department of Agriculture Art Oestrike President Jackie O's Pub and Brewery
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
8:30 am	Continental Breakfast
9:00am	Closing Remarks

The 2016 NCOSAFP Annual Conference will take place at the CDFA Rosenberg Leadership Center in the offices of the Council of Development Finance Agencies in downtown Columbus, Ohio:

Council of Development Finance Agencies
100 E. Broad Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-705-1300

Hotel Reservation Information

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for NCOSAFP Conference participants at the Residence Inn in downtown Columbus, Ohio, located within walking distance of the CDFA offices. A discounted room rate of $159 per night is available as long as reservations are made by September 9, 2016. Mention the "NCOSAFP Annual Conference" when calling to make reservations.

Residence Inn Columbus Downtown
36 E. Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Reservations: 800-331-3131

>>>Reserve Hotel Room Online

Directions

Arriving by Plane
Columbus is served by the Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). Renting a car is not necessary to get from the airport to downtown. Taxi fare is approximately $20 each way and the COTA Air Connect bus service is $2.75 each way.

Arriving by Car
Valet parking is available at the Residence Inn for approximately $20 per night and several public parking garages are available in the vicinity of the CDFA offices.
To register for the 2016 NCOSAFP Annual Conference, click on the Register button below. NCOSAFP members receive a discounted rate for participating in this event. Guests are also welcome to attend the networking events. To register a guest, select the Guest option on the registration page.

Conference Fees

NCOSAFP Member: $295
Non-Member: $365
Guest: $150

>>>Register Today!