2018 Ag Forum

July 20, 2018

Exploring the future of agriculture: SIU to co-host a live recording of the “U.S. Farm Report”

by Hannah Erickson

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Illinois, and as such, plays an important role in both the local and national economy. In support of agricultural enterprises, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is partnering with Legence Bank and American Farm Mortgage & Financial Services to co-host a live taping of the “U.S. Farm Report” from the SIU Campus on July 24.

On the air for over three decades, the “U.S. Farm Report” is the longest-running syndicated television program focused on agriculture, rural issues and the country lifestyle. The program provides farmers, agriculture industry professionals, researchers and other interested individuals with valuable information regarding important updates, stories and events.

Currently the program is owned by Farm Journal Media and hosted by Tyne Morgan, along with multiple agriculture-related analysts and professionals. The show airs weekly on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Live taping open to the public

The theme of the current show will be “Future of Agriculture: Ask the Analysts,” and will be recorded July 24 at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. A vendor exhibit will be open from 6-6:30 p.m. and the taping will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The goal of the program is to help provide clarity for local farmers and agriculture professionals.

“There is quite a bit of financial stress with the uncertainty surrounding commodity markets today,” Morgan said. “The tariff threats and implementation acted as a wet blanket on prices this summer, driving down profitable prices to below break-even levels.”

The community is invited to attend the recording, and encouraged to ask questions to the two esteemed market analysts, Chip Nellinger with Blue Reef Agri-Marketing and Bob Utterback with Utterback Marketing.

“I’m excited to be joined by two veteran analysts to navigate the volatility, ultimately trying to provide some clarity for the weeks and months ahead as farmers enter harvest,” Morgan said. “It will be an intimate discussion talking about the key issues and opportunities within the commodity markets.”

Attendees will have ample opportunity to discuss market moves and commodity issues with the analysts, Morgan explained.


Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the event. Due to the nature of the live-recording, outside video footage is not allowed once the recording begins. To arrange for interviews with the analysts, contact Tricia Johnson, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank, at 618/297-9860 or tjohnson@legencebank.com.


Vendor space still available

As part of the bank’s commitment to agricultural education, Legence Bank and American Farm Mortgage will be the hosts of the event, along with the SIU community. Other premier sponsors are Country Financial and M&S Implement.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and provide businesses with the unique ability to gain national exposure. Various partnership opportunities are offered, such as:

  • Addressing attendees.
  • Dinner with Tyne Morgan and the analysts.
  • Mentions and logo promotions during the show.
  • Exhibit area.
  • Company name on advertisements.
  • Social media mentions.

The program will air June 28 and June 29.

For more information on sponsorship or other topics, contact Tricia Johnson at 618/297-9860 or tjohnson@legencebank.com.