AgriRoots Conference | 2025
When
October 28 – 29, 2025
Where
The Stella Hotel
Bryan, TX
Presentation Downloads
Conference Focus
Foundations in Agribusiness
The AgriRoots conference by Capital Farm Credit is a premier FREE event dedicated to exploring the future of agriculture while honoring its rich heritage. Designed for farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals and anyone passionate about rural development, the conference provides valuable insights into industry trends, innovative practices and sustainable solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with experts and peers, gaining knowledge to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in modern agriculture. From understanding market dynamics to adopting new technologies, AgriRoots equips participants with actionable strategies to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures in Agriculture
Dr. Dave Kohl
Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech
Unlocking Farm Profit Potential & Global Ag Economic Update
Codie Archie
Bar 7 Ranch
Forging Your Own Brand: A First-Generation Rancher’s Journey
Erika Archie
Bar 7 Ranch
Forging Your Own Brand: A First-Generation Rancher’s Journey
Agenda
Here’s what’s scheduled for the event.
October 28, 2025
Welcome
1:00 PM
- Jeff Norte, President and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Farm Credit
- Allyson Tjoelker, SVP Mission and YBS Lending, Capital Farm Credit
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures in Agriculture
An inspiring look at overcoming challenges and shaping the future of farming.
1:30 PM
- Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D, Keynote Speaker
Break
2:45 PM
Networking Topic Tables (Select 2)
3:00 PM
- Succession Planning: It’s Never Too Early to Start
- Marketing and Brand Building: What’s Your Story?
- AI and Technology to Advance Your Operation
- Building Your Herd: Finding Opportunity in Boom and Bust Market Cycles
- Beyond the Premium: Leveraging Insurance for Price Protection
Break
4:15 PM
From Field to Fraud: Uncovering Hidden Risks
This panel uncovers common fraud schemes in agriculture and offers practical strategies to safeguard the supply chain.
4:30 PM
- Sally Lawson, CFO, Capital Farm Credit
- Brent Mast, Special Ranger, Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association
- Bora Manzanares, Manager Financial Crimes Compliance, CoBank
Steak Dinner & Live Music
7:00 PM
October 29, 2025
Breakfast & Emerging Leaders and GROW Recognition
7:00 AM
Unlocking Farm Profit Potential & Global Ag Economic Update
Explore practical strategies to boost farm profitability along side a timely overview of global ag economic trends shaping the industry’s future.
8:00 AM
- Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech
Break
9:30 AM
Ag Policy Pulse – What’s Changing and What it Means
Get an insider’s view on the latest agricultural policy changes and how Farm Credit advocates to protect producers’ interests and ensure a strong future for rural America.
10:00 AM
- Jenny Mesirow, SVP Government Affairs, Farm Credit Council
Forging Your Own Brand: A First-Generation Rancher’s Journey
As first-generation ranchers, Cody and Erika Archie of Bar 7 share how they forged their own path in ranching, offering practical advice for building success from the ground up.
11:00 AM
- Codie & Erika Archie, Bar 7 Ranch