By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball is inviting the agricultural community to attend the 194th Annual Meeting and Agricultural Forum, hosted by the New York State Agricultural Society on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
This year’s Forum will take place at the Wegmans Conference Center in Rochester, offering an opportunity for farmers and industry partners to explore how New York agriculture, food systems, and natural resource sectors are evolving in response to changing policies, regulations, technological advancements, and market dynamics.
Commissioner Ball will deliver the 2026 State of Agriculture Address, highlighting the state’s ongoing support for farmers and agri-businesses. Registration is open at www.nysagsociety.org.
“I look forward to this event every year and the chance to discuss new ideas and strategies to grow our industry and make it stronger for the next generation. Our industry is faced with a number of challenges this year, particularly at the federal level, and this forum provides us a great space to not only reflect on the past year and discuss those challenges, but also to collaborate on our priorities as we launch into the year ahead," Commissioner Ball said.
"I thank the New York Agricultural Society for facilitating this gathering of our agricultural partners from across the state and look forward to engaging in the important conversations we need to move the agricultural community forward.”
The Forum will feature a full day of panels and guest speakers. Barbara Patterson, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Torrey Advisory Group, will open the morning session, followed by Martha Hilton and Cathy Gaffney of Wegmans, who will discuss the “Art of the Pivot.”
Afternoon sessions include Nishant Roy, Chobani Chief Impact Officer, and Karen Cartier, COO of Northeast Dairy Farmers of America, on dairy processing and investment.
The closing roundtable, “Seeding Innovation. Growing Opportunity,” moderated by Maureen Ballatori, CEO of Agency 29, will feature Pauly Guglielmo of Craft Cannery, Peppe Bonfiglio of Mastronardi Produce, and Brian Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards.
Throughout the day, the Ag Society will recognize honorees in eight categories, including farm safety, journalism, agricultural promotion, FFA Chapter of the Year, next-generation farmers, business of the year, distinguished service, and century and bicentennial farms, celebrating those who have advanced New York’s agriculture and food industry.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: New York, Business, Government & Policy