Agenda
JANUARY 15, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 PM | REGISTRATION OPENS | NETWORKING
Refreshments and drinks provided
2:00-4:00 PM | LEGISLATIVE INSIGHTS: FEDERAL AND STATE PERSPECTIVES
Join our federal and state government affairs experts for an in-depth discussion on key political and legislative issues. Gain valuable insights into current policies, upcoming challenges, and advocacy strategies impacting our industry at the state and national levels.
JANAE BRADY
Vice President, Government Affairs | American Seed Trade Association
Janae Brady serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association, where she has worked since 2020. She previously served as staff for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, where she advised the Chairman on policy issues, including international trade, agricultural research, biotechnology, crop protection, and agricultural defense.
SHAUN JILLIONS
Attorney/Consultant | Jillions Group LLC
Shaun brings nearly two decades of experience representing corporations, utilities, trade associations, and nonprofits before all levels of elected and appointed governmental entities in Oregon and before our Congressional delegation in D.C. Specializing in legislative and regulatory issues surrounding natural resources, Shaun combines strategic lobbying with external communications to drive impactful advocacy.
4:00 – 6:00 PM | PAST PRESIDENTS RECEPTION
Beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres
This special event is a chance to honor the leaders who have shaped our association while connecting with speakers, peers, and other attendees. Build new relationships, share ideas, and celebrate the milestones that brought us here.
JANUARY 16, 2025
7:15-8:00 AM | REGISTRATION | CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Enjoy a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, assorted European pastries, and yogurt with various toppings to suit every taste. Coffee, tea, and juice included.
The exhibit hall is open.
Please visit our wonderful vendors and sponsors.
8:00 – 8:10 AM | CALL TO ORDER
Joe McAlhany, AMPAC Seed Company, OSA President
Welcome
Introductions
8:10-9:45 AM | GENERAL SESSION
All members welcome
Association Update | Joe McAlhany, AMPAC Seed Company
Financial Update | Kate Hartnell, Saddle Butte Ag & Nick Nova, Turf Merchants Inc
Partner Updates
- American Seed Trade Association | Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs
- Oregon Seed Council | Megan Chuinard, Executive Director
- Oregon Department of Agriculture | Elizabeth Savory, Program Manager, Plant Health, Seed Regulatory, & Smoke Management
- Oregon State University | Dan Curry, Director – Seed Services
9:45-10:00 AM | BREAK & EXHIBIT HALL
Coffee and tea are available.
Please enjoy the time to visit each exhibitor booth.
10:00 – 11:00 AM | KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Agricultural economists share insights on Oregon’s farmland market trends and the financial challenges of regulatory compliance.
Please join us as we hear from two distinguished economists and presenters from Oregon State University.
DAN BIGELOW
“Recent Trends in Oregon’s Farmland Market”
Dan Bigelow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at Oregon State University. His research and extension programs focus on local and regional economic development, with emphasis on issues concerning land use, real estate markets, and natural resource policy. He also teaches and advises students in the Applied Economics Graduate Program. Prior to joining OSU in 2022, he was an Assistant Professor at Montana State University and a Research Economist at USDA’s Economic Research Service. He holds degrees from OSU (PhD, 2015) and the University of Massachusetts (BS/MS, 2008/10).
TIM DELBRIDGE
“Cost of Regulatory Compliance on Oregon Farms”
Tim Delbridge is an agricultural economist focusing primarily on farm-level production and management issues. His research and outreach projects include topics of investment analysis, cropping system decisions, risk management, and the impacts of technology and regulation on agricultural markets and farm profitability. He also teaches a number of undergraduate classes at OSU in the Department of Applied Economics. Prior to joining OSU in 2022, he was an Associate Professor in the Agribusiness Department at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION
Doug Pickles, Lewis Seed
Award Presentations
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Chair: Rachel Hankins, Barenbrug USA
Lobbyist: Shaun Jillions, Jillions Group LLC
Dive into the latest legislative priorities and policy initiatives shaping our industry. This session provides updates on advocacy efforts, discusses key issues on the horizon, and offers an opportunity for members to contribute to the association’s legislative strategy.
12:00-1:00 PM | BUFFET LUNCH & TRIVIA!
Make-Your-Own Sandwich Buffet with fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and toppings to suit every taste.
Pick your table wisely! 12:30 – 1:00, tables will compete head-to-head for prizes in a fun trivia challenge.
1:00–1:15 PM | SPONSOR PRESENTATIONS
A word from our sponsors.
1:15 PM -1:35 PM | LOGISTICS & FREIGHT
Chair: Brandon Bishop, Ioka Marketing
Domestic Freight and Logistics Update: Insights from Mode Transportation
1:35-2:15 PM | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Chair: Colin Scott, The Scotts Company
This session will feature expert speakers reporting on the latest turf and forage research, highlighting innovations and practical applications for the industry.
2:15-2:45 PM | DATA & PRODUCTION
Chair: Chase Cochran
A panel of field representatives will provide an in-depth look at production regions, covering current acreage, pressing issues, and hot topics unique to each area. Join us for valuable updates and a dynamic discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the regions we serve.
2:45-3:00 PM | PUBLIC RELATIONS
Chair: Sheri Goldsmith, Fusion Seeds
- Public Relations Projects
- O.N.E. Committee, Cody Gyllenberg, Columbia River Seeds
- Associates Committee, Joe McAlhany & Kate Hartnell
3:00-3:05 PM | SHOTGUN RAFFLE DRAWING
The winner will be chosen for the Weatherby Orion shotgun
3:05-3:20 PM | BREAK & EXHIBIT HALL
Refreshments are available. Please enjoy the time to visit each exhibitor booth.
3:20-5:00 PM | CLOSED SESSION
Active members only
5:00 PM | ADJOURN
Thank you for coming!
