From farm transitions and data centers to grain markets and agriculture finances and policies, participants in the 2026 Rural Economic Outlook Conference will hear the latest news from industry and university experts.

Hosted by the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, this one-day conference will provide information to help producers and agricultural professionals make informed decisions in the year ahead.

“This conference is a great way for producers, lenders and policy makers to gain in-depth knowledge of topics that will influence agriculture in the current environment and into the future,” said Brend Ladd, OSU Extension specialist.

Who: Members of the agricultural community and those interested in local, state and national agriculture markets.

What: This is a one-day conference connecting various sectors of agriculture. Industry experts from Oklahoma State University Extension and the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture will share expertise through informational sessions and presentations. The agenda includes:

• Uncertainty in Livestock Panel – Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Agricultural Economics professor and Charles Breedlove Professorship
  • Panel: Don Close, Terrain Ag; and Ford Drummond, producer
• Farm Transitions: Dr. Shannon Ferrell, OSU Agricultural Economics professor and JC Hobbs, OSU Agricultural Economics farm tax specialist
• Data Centers in Oklahoma: Dr. Mckenzie Boyce, OSU Agricultural Economics assistant professor and Dr. Brian Whitacre, OSU Agricultural Economics professor and Neustadt Chair
• Grain Markets Update: Dr. Todd Hubbs, OSU Agricultural Economics assistant professor
• FAPC Update: Dr. Rodney Holcomb, OSU Agricultural Economics professor and McLaughlin Family Endowed Chair
• Rapid-Fire Outlook Panel:
  • Ag Finance Topics: Dr. Rodney Jones, OSU Agricultural Economics professor and Oklahoma Farm Credit Chair
  • Ag Policy Update: Dr. Amy Hagerman, OSU Agricultural Economics associate professor

The complete agenda is available online.

When: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nov. 4

Where: ConocoPhillips Alumni Center, Click Hall, OSU campus, Stillwater

Registration: $50, breakfast and lunch included. Registration fee increases to $75 after Oct. 28. Registration is available online and will be accepted until the day of the conference.