— Illinois Farm Bureau members, staff, farmers and agriculture industry professionals are invited to attend the 2014 Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference, titled "Modern Agriculture: Connecting to the Digital Future." The conference, scheduled for July 30, will be held at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

This year's conference will feature two general sessions and multiple breakouts that focus on digital communications and tools, farm policy, market and weather trends, drone technology, trade and infrastructure priorities, farmland and crop prices and much more. First General Session speaker Matt Bechdol will cover "big data" while the second General Session speaker Greg Peterson of the Peterson Brothers will talk about advocating for agriculture.

"We will have the latest information on digital-driven technology issues, such as Big Data, drones and cyber-security, as well as our perennial outlooks," said Mike Doherty, senior economist, Illinois Farm Bureau. "Additionally, we have some hot topic workshops on nutrient management, global meat markets, and value added production."
Those wishing to attend the conference may pre-register online (June 9 – July 21) at www.ilfb.org/commoditiesconference, or by contacting their local County Farm Bureau. Registration materials also may be requested by calling Nicole Moore at 309-557-3343 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Registration is $35 per person and includes lunch. Registration the day of the event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Marriott.

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