Ignite: 2024 OABA Industry Conference Fuels Future of Ohio Agribusinesses

More than 325 OABA members and industry professionals were on hand to engage in collaborative learning and networking at the organization’s annual Industry Conference, January 30-February 1 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel. Through a variety of sessions presented by well-respected speakers from across the country, the conference "ignited" Ohio agribusinesses toward success.

"I am immensely proud of how this year's conference 'ignited' innovation and collaboration among this year’s attendees and industry professionals," said OABA interim CEO, Janice Welsheimer. "This event has sparked great discussions and new relationships, priming the stage for a successful 2024 in Ohio agribusiness."

The conference addressed key topics in today’s agriculture industry, including global and midwestern crop outlooks, international trade, weather and other impacts upon crops, nutrient supply chain, commercial livestock markets, biologicals, biofuels, employee safety, crisis and emergency management, and hands-on sessions with agricultural diseases, weeds and insects.

Notable speakers at the three-day event included Joe Lardy, CHS; Chuck Benson, BASF; Matt Reardon, Nutrien Ag Solutions; and Scott Shearer, The Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

At the Annual Meeting on Jan. 31, OABA recognized Paige Scott of Legacy Farmers Cooperative with the 2024 Achievement as an Emerging Leader Award as part of the OABA Industry Excellence Awards. Ohio Senator Bob Hackett and retired ODA division director Kevin Elder were named OABA Honorary Members.

During the annual meeting, OABA announced newly elected and re-elected members to the Board of Directors, including Heath Barnes of Mercer Landmark, Inc.; Don Daniels of Centerra Co-op; Bailey Elchinger of StoneX Financial Inc.; Mike Erwin of KOVA of Ohio; Brad Johnson of Kalmbach Feeds; and Max Pennington of Farmers Elevator Grain & Supply Association. Travis Algren of Integrated Ag LLC; Jackie Seibert of LW Seibert Farms, LLC; and Ann Staugler of Big K Mills were all recognized for their board service.

Photos from the event can be found on the OABA Facebook page.

The 2025 OABA Industry Conference will be held January 28-30, 2025, at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.