Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Zach Kass

Zack Kass

Futurist, AI Thought Leader, Former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI
An Abundant Future with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is transforming work as we know it—and the stakes for organizations couldn’t be higher. Individuals and companies that don’t adapt run the risk of being left behind. How can you prepare for what’s coming? As the former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI and leading futurist, Zack Kass has helped hundreds of leaders rethink their AI strategy.

In this compelling talk, Zack will deliver a comprehensive roadmap on how to build, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams and companies in an AI-driven world. You will walk away understanding the importance of soft skills, constant learning, and a culture of adaptability to thrive in the new business landscape.

Tara Smith

Executive Vice President at Torrey Advisory Group
The Wild World of Washington: Key Updates and Insights

Washington is buzzing with activity, and the decisions being made on Capitol Hill have real implications for agriculture and crop insurance. Join Tara Smith, a seasoned expert with a front-row seat to the action, as she unpacks the latest legislative and regulatory developments affecting our industry. This interactive session is designed to give you targeted insights into how recent policy changes and elections impact crop insurance and farm operations.

Raised on a farm in central Illinois, Tara brings a unique blend of firsthand agricultural experience to her work inside the beltway. As Executive Vice President at Torrey Advisory Group, she leads a talented team to develop legislative strategies and inform policymakers on priorities for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB).

Bring your questions — there will be time for live Q&A, making this session a must-attend for anyone wanting to stay ahead in an ever-changing Washington landscape.

Molly Fletcher

Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker, and Former Sports Agent
Secrets of a Champion Mindset

Hailed as “the female Jerry Maguire,” Molly Fletcher has negotiated over $500 million in contracts for some of sports’ biggest names. Now, she brings her behind-the-scenes insights to the business world—showing high performers how to harness the mindset that drives true, lasting success.

In this powerful session, Molly shares the secrets behind a champion’s mindset. Learn why the best don’t focus on beating the competition—they focus on beating yesterday’s version of themselves. By embracing everyday discipline and committing to the process, you’ll discover how to unlock your potential, drive performance, and stand out in your field.

Get ready to be inspired to lead with purpose, push past complacency, and compete at your highest level.

STEVE ELMORE

Chief Economist, Corteva Agriscience
Ag Economics: Situation and Outlook

Join Steve Elmore, Chief Economist at Corteva Agriscience, for a can’t-miss session exploring the current state of the agricultural economy and what lies ahead. With over 25 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of both policy and markets, Steve will break down key economic indicators, market trends, and policy shifts that are shaping the ag landscape. His insights will help you make informed decisions and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of agriculture’s leading voices—gain a clearer picture of what’s impacting your business now and how to prepare for the future.

Colleen Francis

Founder and President of Engage Selling Solutions
Navigating Change: Growing Your Agency in a Shifting Market

Join Colleen Francis for a powerful session designed to help you not just survive—but thrive—in today’s evolving agricultural market. She’ll share actionable strategies to connect with multiple generations of farmers, navigate industry consolidation, and put customer care at the center of your success. Learn how to leverage social media effectively and stay sharp with deep product knowledge, all aimed at helping you grow your agency and win more business in a competitive landscape.

Colleen brings over 20 years of sales leadership experience and a passion for driving real results. She knows firsthand that traditional sales tactics no longer cut it in today’s fast-changing environment, and she’s here to equip you with fresh, effective approaches that work now.

Matt Reardon

Senior Atmospheric Scientist, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Navigating Weather Risk & Extremes

This session begins with a clear-eyed review of how 2025’s weather shaped crop outcomes and indemnities across the U.S: where excessive rainfall, severe storms, heat waves, and drought shaped the season, and how those patterns affected yield variance. Using the latest climate indicators—ENSO phase, evolving sea-surface-temperature anomalies, high-latitude blocking signals, and stratospheric trends—we will frame an outlook and scenarios for:

Winter 2025-26 temperature, precipitation, and freeze risk
Planting-window soil-moisture prospects and spring severe-weather exposure
Yield-critical summer stress periods in the Corn Belt, Great Plains, and Delta Expect an evidence-based discussion focused on risk, climate trends, and drivers that impact our weather. We’ll discuss how climate drivers like sea surface temperatures, ENSO (El Niño and La Niña), and other major factors play into this year’s forecast, weaving in historical trends to provide context for the season ahead. This talk will give your audience practical insights and a clear perspective on what lies ahead.

Pat Swanson

RMA Administrator
The Future of Crop Insurance: An RMA Update with Administrator Pat Swanson

Get the latest updates straight from the source as RMA Administrator Patricia Swanson shares timely insights on federal crop insurance policy, priorities from the USDA, and what lies ahead for the industry. This session will provide agents with a clear view of how national decisions are shaping risk management in agriculture—and what that means for you and your customers.

Pat Swanson serves as the Administrator of the Risk Management Agency (RMA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With over 20 years of experience in agricultural risk management, Pat brings both industry knowledge and hands-on farming expertise to her role. Before her appointment, she co-owned and operated Son Risk Management in southeast Iowa and served on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board and Iowa’s Farm Service Agency State Committee. Pat holds a degree in Computer Science from Iowa State University and remains actively involved in her family’s seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa. As Administrator, she is committed to strengthening the crop insurance program and supporting America’s producers through smart, sustainable policy.