| 8:30 AM |
Attendee Check In and Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM |
Welcome |
| 9:15 AM |
Navigating Trends in Arkansas Agriculture
This panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss the forces influencing agriculture across Arkansas today. From evolving market conditions and production challenges to new technologies and emerging opportunities, the conversation will offer a timely look at what is shaping the industry and where Arkansas agriculture may be headed next.
- Chance Creighton, Land Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
- Jim Whitaker, Owner - Whitaker Farms
- John L. Conner Jr., Founder & President - Holden Conner
- Michael Oleis, Chief Financial Officer - Land Fund Partners
- William (Ty) Davis, State Executive Director - USDA Farm Service Agency
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| 10:00 AM |
Arkansas Forestry Outlook: A Fireside Chat
Drawing on both academic and industry perspectives, this panel will explore the current state of forestry and wood products in Arkansas. The discussion will provide insight into the issues, opportunities, and broader forces influencing one of the state’s most important natural resource industries.
- Greg L. Hay, ACF, CF, RF, Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
- Dr. Matthew H. Pelkki, Director - Arkansas Center for Forest Business, University of Arkansas System
- Max Braswell, Executive Vice President - Arkansas Forestry Association
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| 10:45 AM |
Networking Break |
| 11:00 AM |
Lay of the Land® Market Update
The Lay of the Land® Market Report has become a trusted benchmark for tracking annual land sales and market performance across the state. Backed by the latest data gathered by our research team, this session will take a closer look at activity across Arkansas’s major land sectors. Panelists will examine buyer demand, commodity influences, recent transactions, and other market factors to provide attendees with a clear understanding of current conditions and what may lie ahead.
- Tyler Davis, ALC, President - Saunders Real Estate
- David Hill, Managing Director - Saunders Real Estate
- Chance Creighton, Land Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
- Greg L. Hay, ACF, CF, RF, Senior Advisor - Saunders Real Estate
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| 11:30 AM |
Succession Planning for Landowners
Bringing together expertise in agricultural finance, accounting, and tax strategy, this panel will examine key considerations affecting landowners, producers, and investors. The discussion will cover changes in the tax landscape, estate planning, property transactions, and other financial tools that can influence long-term planning and business decisions. Attendees will gain practical perspective on how to evaluate these issues and make more informed financial decisions.
- Tyler Davis, ALC, President - Saunders Real Estate
- Alan Grafton, Principal - Pinion
- Tyler Griffin, Attorney at Law - Law Office of Tyler A. Griffin, PLLC
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| 12:15 PM |
Lunch and Keynote
- Cole Jester, Arkansas Secretary of State
|
| 1:00 PM |
Arkansas Agriculture: Markets, Economics, and Outlook
This session will provide a closer look at the Arkansas agricultural economy and the economic forces influencing the industry across the state. Hunter will share insight into current conditions, key economic indicators, and the broader financial environment surrounding Arkansas agriculture, giving attendees a better understanding of where the sector stands today.
- Hunter Biram, Assistant Professor • Extension Agricultural Economist Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness • Division of Agriculture Associate Director, Southern Risk Management Education Center University of Arkansas
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| 1:45 PM |
Dismissal
Join us for a complimentary tour of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
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