About Our Forum
The Annual Forum of the NYS Agricultural Society is one of the oldest and largest meetings of its kind in NY and possibly the US. Producers, advocates, decision-makers, innovators and aspiring leaders gather to discuss and dissect emerging issues and to network with peers. The 2027 Forum – our 195th - will take place January 7th at the Wegmans Conference Center in Rochester, NY. Eight awards will be presented in the following categories: Ag Promotion, Business of the Year, “Cap Creal” Communications recognition, Century and Bicentennial Farms, Distinguished Service, Farm Safety, Next Generation Farmer and NY FFA Chapter of the Year. Contact Ann Noble Shephard for more information at ann@nyagsociety.org.
2027 Speaker Line-Up
Dr. David L. Ortega, Michigan State University - Keynote
A Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy at Michigan State University, Dr. Ortega’s research examines how consumers, producers, and agribusinesses make decisions within food systems, with a focus on food price inflation, agricultural trade, consumer demand, and agrifood supply chains. His work draws on more than fifteen years of international field research. Dr. Ortega has testified before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees and has advised federal and state policymakers, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve Banks. His economic analysis and policy commentary are regularly featured in national and international media outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Financial Times, and CNN. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University.
Lessons Learned from Serving the Globe
The NYS Agricultural Society is pleased to host leaders from Oxbow Manufacturing, Gutchess Lumber and Cayuga Milk Ingredients to a special morning session. These NY players have a wealth of experience locally, regionally and overseas. Gutchess Lumber is a global leader in sustainable Northern hardwoods used in furniture, cabinets, flooring and millwork. This 5th generation family company manages thousands of acres of timberland and 7 facilities located across NY and PA. Oxbow Manufacturing based in Bergen, NY serves the specialty crop customer. Built up over decades by several key companies, they have expanded their portfolio and service to the fruit, hay, and forage sectors. Cayuga Milk Ingredients produces high-quality dairy ingredients including milk powders, protein concentrates, isolates, condensed milk, cream, and ultrafiltered milk, all derived from fresh cow’s milk. Moderated by Mark Modzeleski of Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY, we welcome Oxbow’s Joe Perzia (upper left), John Berglund of Gutchess Lumber (lower left), and Hugh Roddy of Cayuga Milk Ingredients (far right).
Developing Workforce Champions
Christopher "Coach SwazZ" Suozzi serves as Executive Vice President of Business & Workforce Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), where he has spent more than 19 years helping position Genesee County, New York, as one of the nation's premier destinations for advanced manufacturing and industrial investment. He has developed the Genesee FAST workforce model, an innovative employer-driven strategy focused on strengthening talent pipelines in advanced manufacturing, food processing, engineering, skilled trades, and other high-demand industries.
Old Roots, New Rules: Practical Wisdom from NY Historic Farms
Chris Kelder, Bill Zittel, Meaghan Frank, and Sarah Noble-Moag represent longtime, NY family farms (clockwise, starting upper left). Kelder’s Farm alone is a Tricentennial Farm with the 12th generation actively engaged in day-to-day management. The stories these producers can tell of wins and losses, ongoing struggles, and emerging opportunities. Chris has transitioned his operation based in the Hudson Valley into a premier agritourism destination focused on agriculture, education, and community engagement. Bill is 5th generation at Amos Zittel & Sons, a wholesale vegetable and flower business based in Eden, NY. Meaghan is the 4th gen leader of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, one of our nation’s pioneering wineries and the Finger Lakes estate that helped establish vinifera grapes on the East Coast. Sarah is 7th generation at Noblehurst Farms, a WNY dairy which has diversified into renewable energy production. This panel will be moderated by Julie Suarez, Associate Dean at Cornell’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
Annual State of Agriculture Address is Key Forum Feature
Commissioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets uses the Annual Forum to present his State of Agriculture Address. Learn about investment, outreach and advocacy efforts emanating from Albany to support industry stakeholders from farm gate to end user.
Meet Our 2027 Forum Partners
Contact Ann Shephard for 2027 sponsorship opportunities at ann@nyagsociety.org
Who Attends the Forum?
23% Producers of NY commodities
24% NY colleges & Cornell Cooperative Extension
16% Local, State & Federal Government
15% Agribusiness
11% Advocacy organizations
9% College students & FFA Chapters
2% Media
