Ohio Livestock Coalition to feature experts at 16th annual symposium

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium is Sept. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Conference Center at Northpointe, 9243 Columbus Pike (US-23), Lewis Center, Ohio. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The OLC Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium provides farm organization leaders and farmers from across Ohio with perspectives from state and national farm leaders and establishes a venue to discuss current events facing agriculture and the farm community.

This year’s discussion is titled “Animal Welfare & Market Decisions: What & Who Influences Them.”

Speakers

David Fikes, vice president of consumer/community affairs and communications for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), will discuss the role of the farm community in helping food industry stakeholders achieve their social responsibility goals to meet consumer expectations.

Bruce McPheron, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, will discuss the goals and vision for the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. McPheron’s vision focuses squarely on the future of agriculture and is aimed toward strengthening the college experience to produce career-ready graduates.

Erika Poppelreiter, account supervisor for Ketchum North American Corporate Practice, manages social media for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and will discuss the efforts to build consumer trust in American agriculture.

Glynn Tonsor, associate professor at Kansas State University (K-State) Department of Agricultural Economics, will discuss the growing consumer interest in animal welfare practices and how public perceptions and expectations impact animal agriculture and the food system.

Neighbor of the Year

In partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Credit Mid-America, OLC also will present the 2013 Neighbor of the Year Awards.

Environmental Stewardship

Additionally, in cooperation with the Ohio Pork Producers Council, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio Dairy Producers Association, OLC will present the Environmental Stewardship Awards.