Source: Enhanced Online News

Fort Atkinson, Wis., — IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference has announced its list of speakers. The speakers will provide insight into the new world of agricultural interconnectivity during the three day event, which kicks off with a keynote presentation at the evening reception by Kip and Kyle Tom, followed by two full days of educational sessions.

The Toms will discuss how technologies keep their farm operations in Indiana connected. Tom Farms is a global production, sales and service operation, specializing in corn and soybeans. It's a leading supplier of seed corn.

"Unique to this conference is our attendees, who are top producers, are given access to thought leaders in precision agriculture, the interconnected farm, and interconnected global markets," says Ray Bianchi who is overseeing the event as Vice President of Expositions. "The essential element to our conference is to show the producer or farmer how their investment in these technologies will lead to increased yields and profitabilities per acre."

Secretary Ed Schafer will be the keynote on March 20. He was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 28, 2008. He brings a record as an innovative two-term governor of North Dakota with extensive private sector experience as both an entrepreneur and a business executive.

Other speakers include Dr. Michael Boehlje, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University. He will speak on "The Triple I's of Modern Agriculture: Information, Interdependency and Innovation." Dr. Boehlje is involved in teaching, research and executive education in agricultural finance, farm and business strategy and management and structural change in the agricultural industries.

Ken Eriksen, Senior Vice President, Informa Economics, will present results of a study conducted on behalf of the United Soybean Board: "Roads, Rails & Rivers: The Health and Future of Domestic and Global Transportation Interconnectivity." Eriksen is the leader of Informa's transportation and logistics services. He is responsible for transportation research, service and consulting with the barge, rail and bulk commodity industries. In this capacity, he works with major U.S. providers of transportation services and shippers, especially in the areas of volume prediction and rate strategy issues.

Ted McKinney, Director, Global Corporate Affairs, Elanco Animal Health, will discuss "Technology's Role in the 21st Century: How Interconnected Agriculture Can Make Safe, Abundant Food a Global Reality." McKinney is a graduate of Purdue University. He also serves as the Co-Chair of the National FFA Convention Local Organizing Committee at National FFA Organization.

IDEAg's Interconnectivity Conference is an educational forum that provides information and allows discussion on the complexities of our interconnected age. The conference will launch March 19 in Altoona, Iowa, and run through March 21.

To learn more, visit www.ideaggroup.com.