Agenda - CEC 2026. Online registration by Cvent

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

2027 Agricultural Economy Outlook

Troy Presley, Senior Risk Management Consultant | ATI

Michael Reginelli, Senior Risk Management Consultant |ATI

As the agricultural economy enters 2027, producers, businesses, and industry leaders face an evolving mix of economic, market, and global factors. This session will provide a forward-looking analysis of the agricultural economy, examining key trends shaping commodity markets, input costs, demand, trade, and the broader economic environment. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities, challenges, and market dynamics that could define the year ahead.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

After the Election: What’s Next for Washington

Andrew Harker, Principal | The Russell Group

Ashlee Johnson, Principal | The Russell Group

Randy Russell, President and CEO | The Russell Group

With the 2026 midterm elections now behind us, this presentation will offer an analysis of the results and what they mean for Washington and the country. The discussion will examine the new balance of power in Congress, shifts in political dynamics and priorities, and the broader implications for the policy and business environment. Attendees will gain perspective on what the election results mean for the issues shaping Washington—from the economy, trade, and regulation to energy, taxes, and agriculture—and what to expect as the new Congress takes shape.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Futures and More: The New Grain Trading Landscape

Reggie Griffith, Global Head of Regulatory Compliance, LDC

Ed Prosser, Senior Vice President of Special Projects, Scoular

John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture, CME

Questions abound about the future of prediction markets, perpetual trading, and other emerging market structures in agriculture. This panel discussion will discuss new and potential products from both the perspective of the futures exchanges developing and adapting new products and the perspective of the traders and commercial participants. The conversation will explore how new market structures influence price discovery, liquidity, risk management, and trading strategies, while examining how exchanges and market participants are adapting to rapid innovation.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Rail Outlook: Navigating What’s Ahead for Grain and Feed Shippers

Tony Hatch, Market Analyst | ABH Consulting

As the agricultural economy enters 2027, rail transportation remains critical to the movement of grain and feed across North America. In this timely industry outlook, Tony Hatch of ABH Consulting will examine the current state of the rail industry and the trends shaping its future, including service, capacity, investment, pricing, regulatory developments, and broader freight-market dynamics. Attendees will gain perspective on what these changes mean for grain and feed shippers and how to navigate an evolving transportation landscape.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Strengthening U.S. Agricultural Market Access Under USMCA

Speaker to be announced

Since its adoption, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has generated numerous benefits for the U.S. food and agriculture sector. Ensuring this trade remains seamless, predictable, and science-based is essential to America’s farmers, grain handlers, feed manufacturers, exporters, and transportation partners. Mexico and Canada are two of the most important export markets for U.S. corn, soybeans, wheat, and other commodities. This session will focus on NGFA’s efforts to strengthen market access within USMCA, particularly in addressing non-tariff trade barriers related to sanitary and phytosanitary standards and agricultural biotechnology.