ARA Concludes Annual Conference & Expo

Today ARA concluded its annual Conference & Expo with an inspirational astronaut speaker and an off-site tour of the Houston Ship Channel, a major U.S. port in America’s ag supply chain.

The conference wrapped up with a special highlight in the Expo where former NASA Astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel Mike Mullane shared his extraordinary stories from space. With 356 hours logged aboard the Atlantis and Discovery Shuttles and 134 combat missions in Vietnam, he offered powerful insights into leadership, teamwork, and resilience drawn from his remarkable career.

“What resonated with me the most was Colonel Mullane’s candid reflections on the lessons learned from space exploration,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “His insights into the risks and rewards of pushing boundaries while prioritizing safety are powerful reminders of the importance of vigilance and innovation in our own industry.”

ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus also reflected on the talk: “His stories remind us that, whether in space or agriculture, our success hinges on our ability to work together, confront challenges head-on, and never stop learning.”

The closing general session wrapped up with a video announcing the 2025 ARA Conference & Expo theme, “Elevating Peak Performance.” Save the date and join us Dec. 2-4 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Following the closing session, attendees had the opportunity to explore the Houston Ship Channel, one of the busiest and most vital ports in the United States. This critical hub plays a pivotal role in America’s agricultural supply chain, handling a vast array of products, from fertilizers and grains to fruits and vegetables.

Participants witnessed the complex logistics and operations that drive the nation’s economy, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that ensure the seamless movement of goods essential to the agricultural industry.

Learn more about the ARA Conference & Expo on the website or on ARA’s social media.