ARA Convenes Annual Conference with Rejuvenated Schedule
Dec 03 2024
Today the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) kicked off its 2024 Conference & Expo with nearly 600 agricultural retail industry professionals convening to share knowledge, network, and celebrate more than 30 years of ARA.
“I am thrilled to welcome you to this year’s ARA Conference, where the brightest minds in ag retail come together to share insights and forge connections,” says 2023-2025 ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus of Asmus Farm Supply, Inc. “With our theme, ‘Powering Ag Retail’s Next Frontier,’ this year’s sessions will explore innovative solutions and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.”
Participants enjoyed a true Houston experience today with events like the ARA Invitational Golf Tournament and a tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, setting the stage for a week of learning and networking. The Opening General Session on biofuels marked the official start of this week’s educational offerings, with keynote speaker Tim Urban from Bracewell LLP.
With the schedule now rejuvenated and starting earlier on Tuesday, attendees will enjoy expanded opportunities to engage and benefit from this year’s insightful sessions and networking events.
“It was essential to begin with a discussion on biofuels and renewable energy, given their growing influence on the agricultural industry,” says ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “As federal policies on biofuels evolve, impacting demand for agricultural commodities, ARA remains steadfast in being the voice for ag retailers in Washington, D.C. We advocate tirelessly to ensure our members, and their farmer customers are heard in the development of these critical policies.”
Coppock’s annual President’s Report touched on the association’s mission, advocacy wins in 2024, and what’s next in 2025.
This evening’s opening reception in the Expo promises to be an unmissable event, where attendees can cultivate meaningful relationships, explore cutting-edge products, and uncover innovative services that will propel their businesses to new heights.
Tomorrow’s session speakers will provide attendees with actionable insights on AI in agriculture, practical applications of carbon intensity for tax credits, and an analysis of the impact of the 2024 election on agriculture.
Learn more about the ARA Conference & Expo on the website or on ARA’s social media.