Montana State University to Host 18th Annual Agricultural Economics Conference

Montana State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, in collaboration with MSU Extension, will host the 18th Annual Agricultural Economics Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8. The event will take place at the Best Western GranTree Inn, located at 1325 N. Seventh Ave. in Bozeman.

This year’s conference is part of the College of Agriculture’s annual Celebrate Ag Week, which honors the agricultural legacy of the state and university while celebrating current students, alumni, and the broader agricultural community in Montana.

The conference will feature presentations from eight economists covering a range of important topics, including risk management for livestock producers, agricultural conservation and water quality, the agricultural outlook, climate change and crop production, and insights from the governor’s property tax task force report.

Gary Schnitkey, a professor of farm management at the University of Illinois, will deliver the keynote address titled “Federal Farm Safety Net Programs.”

Attendees can also expect updates from the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Montana Department of Livestock.

Joel Schumacher, MSU Extension associate specialist in agricultural economics, emphasized the significance of the conference for fostering connections within Montana’s agricultural community. “Events like this illustrate how land-grant universities bridge the gap between off-campus stakeholders and MSU faculty,” he said. “Every year, this event shares research and practical information, helping to build relationships across the state.”

Lunch is included in the registration fee, which is $25 for most participants, while students can register for free. Registration is required to attend the conference.

For more information or to register, visit https://ampc.montana.edu/economicsconference/ or call 406-994-3511.

By: DNU staff