URBANA, Ill. Farmers consistently hear about field-level, data-driven decision making. Data collection sensors and GPS units have been implemented in combines, tractors, and planters. Aggregated together, this information becomes “Big Data.” WILLAg.org, the farm broadcasting partnership of Illinois Public Media and University of Illinois Extension, will explore how this data can be turned into a valuable asset and where data goes to be transformed during the 2nd Annual Farm Assets Conference.
The one-day conference will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal. Organizer Todd Gleason is hopeful that farmers and landowners will find the big data keynote address by John Janssen valuable. Janssen is vice president of Climate Ag Services at Monsanto Company. Others taking the stage throughout the day will discuss topics from Illinois farmland values to the specter of water regulations and the effect on private property rights.
“WILLAg.org is known for its on-air market information,” said Gleason. “Eight well-known commodity analysts will be on hand at the conference to talk about the price of corn and soybeans.” The analysts include Bill Gentry, Jerry Gulke, Sue Martin, Pete Manhart, Bill Mayer, Wayne Nelson, Jacquie Voeks, and Mike Zuzolo.
Online registration for Farm Assets Conference is now open. The cost of $30 per person includes lunch and parking. Tickets and more information are available online at www.farmassetsconference.com or by calling 800-898-1065. Day of registration is available, but pre-registration is preferred.
According to Gleason, this year’s Farm Assets program replaces the retiring Commodities Conference. “The Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Illinois Pork Producers Association, along with major sponsors Farm Credit, TIAA-CREF, and Syngenta, have been instrumental in keeping the registration fee affordable.”
Source: University of Illinois Extension