Cornell Hosts Its Annual Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference, Dec. 9

Newswise — WHAT: Agribusiness Economic Outlook ConferenceWHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at 10 a.m. (Registration opens at 9 a.m.)WHERE: David Call Auditorium, Kennedy Hall, Cornell campusWHO: Presented by Cornell's Department of Applied Economics and Management NOTE: Media are welcome to attend this conference but they must register in advance with Blaine Friedlander of the Cornell Press Relations Office at (607) 254-8093. Registration fees for credentialed media will be waived.

ITHACA, N.Y. " Buckle your seatbelt, hold on tight and close your eyes: Here comes the 2009 economy. Get an understanding of next year's financial prospects for agriculture and agricultural products at the annual Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cornell University. On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the foyer of the David L. Call Alumni Auditorium in Kennedy Hall, on campus.

"¢ Steven Kyle, associate professor of applied economics and management, will provide his annual economic prognosis for the upcoming year. He will discuss the 2008 financial meltdown and bailout and how the fiscal stimulus package will work. "¢ Patrick Hooker, New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, will explain how the state is bolstering connections between local food producers and consumers.

"¢ Paul Esposito, senior vice president of RailexUSA, will examine how companies can save energy by using the railroad to transport goods over long distances. He also will discuss the local agglomeration services that New York producers use to reach markets.

"¢ Sam Simon, president of Hudson Valley Fresh dairy, will talk on the formation and growth of the Hudson Valley Fresh brand of high-quality milk. He will examine the value-added milk products, demand growth for local products and the company's expansion into New York City markets.

Breakout sessions on feed grains, dairy markets and specialty market outlooks will follow in the afternoon.

The intended audience for the conference is agribusiness professionals, industrial leaders, policymakers, educators and farm managers. The registration fee is $65, if postmarked by Nov. 25, 2008. Registrations postmarked after that date will be $80. Registration fee for Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension staff is $30. For information, contact Linda Putnam at (607) 255-8429 or e-mail [email protected].

For conference Web site, visit: http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/conferences/economic_outlook.htm.