By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, will place a strong emphasis on the role of trade in shaping the state’s agricultural economy. The event will explore how export markets, international competition, and evolving trade policies are influencing Wisconsin farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.
The forum will be held on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and is hosted by UW-Madison’s Renk Agribusiness Institute, the university’s center for agribusiness education, research, and extension outreach within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Although trade is the central theme, the program will also examine broader national issues affecting agriculture, including the recently announced $12 billion federal aid package for farmers. Speakers will discuss how such federal support measures could interact with Wisconsin’s agricultural outlook in the year ahead.
Wisconsin plays a significant role in global agricultural markets, exporting a wide range of products such as dairy, meat, processed vegetables, corn, soybeans, cranberries, dry beans, and ginseng. While many agricultural regions face ongoing economic pressures, some data suggest Wisconsin may be performing relatively well. The 2026 forum will take a closer look at whether that perception holds true and what factors may be contributing to differences across commodities and regions.
“Trade remains a defining factor for Wisconsin agriculture,” says event organizer Paul Mitchell, professor and extension specialist in the UW-Madison Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. “Producers are navigating a complicated global market, and this year’s forum provides timely insight into how these forces affect farms, businesses, and rural communities here at home.”
The morning sessions will include detailed economic outlook reports on dairy, livestock, grains, and overall farm income, presented by UW faculty and industry experts.
In the afternoon, two sessions will focus specifically on trade. One will examine the impacts of global markets on farm finances, lending, bankruptcies, and farmer well-being. The second will feature Wisconsin-based companies and organizations involved in agricultural trade, offering insights into international opportunities, risks, and policy challenges.
Registration is open through January 20, with the full agenda available at go.wisc.edu/AgOutlookForum2026. Questions may be directed to Megan Webster at mawebster@wisc.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Wisconsin, Business