Trade tensions, state labor rules and farm technology topped the agenda at Fresno State’s 45th annual Agribusiness Management Conference, held Oct. 29 at Pardini’s in Fresno.
The conference, themed “Navigating Risk in Uncertain Times,” is hosted by Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. It brings together students, agricultural professionals and industry leaders to examine developments affecting the agricultural economy and connect with others in the industry.
Federal policy and trade
Agricultural policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer headlined the conference with a presentation on how federal farm legislation, international trade, regulations and taxes affect farm budgets, commodity markets and business planning.
Wiesemeyer, who has covered agricultural policy for more than five decades, is a Washington policy analyst for AgBull Media and contributes to Farm Journal’s AgriTalk radio program.
Wiesemeyer discussed the effects of tariffs and trade disputes with Canada, which he tied to President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Forces reshaping risk
A panel discussion titled “The Forces Reshaping Agricultural Risk” focused on external pressures on agricultural businesses, including regulatory changes and market uncertainty.
Panelists included Abby Taylor-Silva of Kahn, Soares & Conway; Julie Adams of the Almond Board of California; and Emily Rooney, president of the Agricultural Council of California. Casey Creamer, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, moderated.
Adams said there are ongoing conversations with the Trump administration to try to “thread the needle” in support of California agriculture.
She said that while Chinese tariffs remain an issue, Southeast Asia is becoming a larger market.
“While we’re seeing China’s direct shipments go down, we are seeing a lot more shipments that are getting in there indirectly because the customers are still there,” Adams said.
Labor rules
Bill Wolman of Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC led a session on California’s Private Attorneys General Act, known as PAGA, and its implications for agricultural employers.
Technology and labor
Walt Duflock, an innovation executive with Western Growers, delivered the luncheon keynote. Duflock, a fifth-generation California farmer, examined how robotics, artificial intelligence and automation could help agricultural businesses address labor shortages, water management, food safety and productivity.
He emphasized practical applications and return on investment as key factors when evaluating new agricultural technologies.
