While no crystal balls were used and no firm predictions made, the group of distinguished speakers brought together by Ice Miller last week all agreed that the potential for some significant change and uncertainty was ahead for the agriculture industry.

Sen. Richard Lugar self-titled his remarks “VeraSun, GMOs and CO2” and referred to many of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry.  Despite the concerns over ethanol producer VeraSun’s financial situation, Lugar is “still excited about the prospects” for alternative energy and continues to “argue strenuously for ethanol.”  He remains concerned about the world trading system and some countries’ apprehension to address food crises and ultimately use technologies like GMO crops to feed those who are hungry.

Finally, he discussed the importance of carbon sequestration in the future but encouraged thoughtful consideration of it by each farm, household and factory.  Listen to his remarks.

In the end, Lugar frankly commented that the uncertainties are great and that some luck was going to be needed in the coming year.  Listen to his remarks.   He closed suggesting the need for “the right language and statesmanship” on all of these issues was critical and told industry leaders to “be prepared.”  “This will be not just a year of marketing, but also one of advocacy and community meetings,” he advised.

Roger Bernard of ProFarmer and Farm Journal magazine described the Nov. 4 election results and the still uncertain outcome of key Senate races.  Listen to his remarks.  Bernard also highlighted several areas of agriculture that could be impacted by the election results. Below is a slide from his presentation that touches on some of those key issues.  View his entire presentation.



Dave Lyons of Louis Dreyfus expressed concern from the perspective of a leading multinational grain shipping and processing company about future trade prospects for agriculture.   The future regulatory oversight of the financial and commodity markets also will have an impact on Dreyfus and many other agribusiness firms.  Lyons voiced concern about early hints at a combined Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities Exchange Commission and hopes agriculture can keep its own regulator.  Listen to his remarks.

Jeff Simmons of Elanco provided strong direction to the audience to fight strenuously for continued use of key agricultural technologies.  Referring to a question asked of him about Proposition 2 that passed in Calif. and will prohibit some very traditional livestock production methods, Simmons shared some of his direct experience working with Elanco in the United Kingdom – a country that turned away from agricultural productivity advancements following food safety crises and pressure from strong activist groups.  Listen to his remarks.

Renewable energy was a significant issue during the recent election campaigns.  Dr. Wally Tyner of Purdue University explained the current market dynamics for biofuels vs. petroleum and addressed some likely policy debates that will unfold in 2009 for current renewable energy programs and supports.  Listen to his remarks.

What Sen. Lugar described as being a “tough year” for the industry may at least gain some clarity as the new personalities and leadership in agriculture soon will be in place.  Roger Bernard posited this about President-Elect Obama…."Which Obama will take the White House – the pragmatist or the politician?"   The question holds true for every new political leader that touches agriculture – we now must wait to see who those new leaders will be.