ES Ag Conference speaker: optimistic environment for farmers

Day 1 of the Eastern Shore Agricultural Conference took place Wednesday morning at the Exmore Moose Lodge, bringing together farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends in agriculture. Keynote speakers included Chris Cosby, the incoming CEO of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative; Robert Harper from the Virginia Farm Bureau’s Grain Division; Matt Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture; and Joe Guthrie, Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture.

Optimistic Outlook for Farmers

Harper shared a positive market outlook, noting that while China’s economy faces challenges, including a real estate crisis and inflation, trade relations with the U.S. could improve. He suggested that China may resume purchasing U.S. corn and soybeans for political reasons, potentially attracting more speculator investments in the market.

“If China comes back buying U.S. corn and soybeans for political reasons, we could see these markets begin to attract speculator dollars,” Harper said.

Currently, speculators hold 300,000 net long futures contracts for corn and 70,000 for soybeans, indicating confidence in potential price increases.

Agriculture’s Role in Virginia’s Economy

Agriculture remains Virginia’s largest private industry, contributing $82 billion annually. Poultry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, and Governor Glenn Youngkin has expressed a goal to make Virginia the No. 1 state for controlled (indoor) agriculture, according to Commissioner Guthrie.

Update on Bird Flu in Accomack County

Guthrie also addressed the recent case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) reported in Accomack County. He noted this was the first large commercial outbreak in Virginia in several years, and VDACS (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) is closely monitoring the situation. He reported that the depopulation process for infected birds has gone smoothly.

Policy Changes and Future Outlook

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr encouraged farmers to brace for major shifts in federal policies over the next four years. He emphasized that former President Donald Trump has indicated a strong desire to shrink the role of the federal government in agriculture.

At the state level, Lohr predicted minimal changes to Virginia’s agricultural programs, regardless of the outcome of the gubernatorial race between Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.

“BMP dollars should stay steady—the health of the Chesapeake Bay has proven to be a bipartisan issue,” he said, referring to Best Management Practices (BMP) funding for conservation programs.

Recognition of Agricultural Contributions

During the event, Northampton Farm Bureau President Bruce Richardson honored Kris Carpenter with an award for his decades-long contributions to the agricultural industry.

Carpenter, who has worked in the industry for over 50 years, was recognized for his dedication and leadership.

“It is quite the honor,” Carpenter said. “I’ve worked with and for a lot of you. It’s been a good run. I thank you very much.”