2026 Ag Summit

Thursday, January 29, 2026
7:45 AM - 2:30 PM
Hilton Garden Inn - Findlay, OH
CBAO Member: $325 | Non-Member: $425

Ag Lenders may bring any borrower/farmer to join for the day for $49

Navigating the intricacies in Agricultural markets and managing risk can prove to be a daunting task for Ag Lenders and credit policy managers. The 2026 Ag Summit will equip attendees with the most current and timely information regarding weather, commodities, energy inputs, Ag Law and more to be properly positioned for the next agricultural season.

Who Should Attend:

Ag Lenders, Credit Policy Managers, Chief Credit Officers, Senior Lenders

2026 Agenda:

(subject to change)

7:45 AM - 8:20 AM
Breakfast / Registration

8:20 AM - 8:30 AM
Welcome message and introductions

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Trade Wars: What Impact on U.S. Agriculture?
Ian Sheldon, Andersons Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy, The Ohio State University

This session explores the evolving landscape of international trade and its direct impact on U.S. agriculture, with a focus on the current level and legal status of U.S. tariffs. Attendees will gain clarity on how ongoing trade tensions are shaping export opportunities, influencing global competitiveness, and putting pressure on farm margins. By examining both the policy framework and its real-world consequences, this session equips agricultural lenders, producers, and industry professionals with a clear understanding of the risks, trends, and outlook facing U.S. agriculture in an era of continued trade uncertainty.

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
OBBBA & the ACRE Act: Key Impacts for Agricultural Lenders
Bill Scott, Principal, Agribusiness, Food & Beverage, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

This session delivers a practical, high-level overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its implications for agricultural businesses and the community banks that serve them. We will break down the bill’s key provisions and translate them into clear, actionable guidance, with a particular focus on the ACRE Act tax exclusion and how it may influence loan qualification, pricing strategies, and portfolio planning. Attendees will leave with a solid understanding of how to navigate the OBBBA’s changes, support their ag customers, and leverage new opportunities while maintaining compliance.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break 

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Taxes, Farmland Use, and Farm Succession: What’s happening in 2026 and Beyond?
Johnathon L. Cottingim, Associate, Farm Succession & Legacy Preservation, Wright & Moore Law Co., LPA

This session will provide a timely overview of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and what they mean for farm clients and the community banks that serve them. Participants will explore how evolving tax provisions are impacting agricultural operations, alongside a discussion of current development trends across Ohio and the growing role they play in shaping the future of farmland and rural communities. The session will also highlight emerging trends in farm succession planning, offering insights into how producers and their advisors are navigating generational transitions, estate considerations, and long-term sustainability in today’s changing agricultural landscape.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
High-Impact Weather and Changes in Predictive Science
Andrew Pritchard, Sr. Atmospheric Scientist, Nutrien Ag Solutions

In this talk, meteorologist and weather safety expert Andrew Pritchard presents a practical look at recent high-impact weather events and the patterns that caused them. He explains how meteorologists identify early warning signs of damaging weather, with a focus on risks relevant to agriculture. The presentation explores key weather patterns and global climate signals that influence seasonal forecasts, helping producers anticipate challenges in the growing season ahead. Andrew wraps up with a review of recent weather trends, a look at current conditions, and an outlook on what’s likely in the weeks and months to come.

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Break

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Prices, Profits & Perils for Farming 2026
Matt Roberts, PhD, Advisor, Bridgeforth LLP

This session takes a practical look at what 2026 may hold for producers — from crop and livestock price outlooks to the rising (and sometimes falling) costs of production. We will walk through the key trends we're watching, the risks that could shift margins, and the opportunities farmers — and the lenders who support them — should be prepared to seize. Let’s talk about what could move the needle next year, and how to plan for it.

If you are having issues with registering online, please contact Malia Widder, (614) 610-1877.