New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball is encouraging members of the state’s agricultural community to attend the 194th Annual Meeting and Agricultural Forum, hosted by the New York State Agricultural Society on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Wegmans Conference Center in Rochester.
This year’s event will bring together farmers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers to explore how New York’s agriculture, food systems, and natural resources industries are adapting to shifting government policies, new technologies, and changing market conditions. Commissioner Ball will deliver the 2026 State of Agriculture Address, outlining ongoing state efforts to support farmers and agricultural businesses.
“Each year, this forum gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, share new ideas, and chart a path forward for New York agriculture,” Ball said. “We face several challenges this year, particularly at the federal level, but events like this allow us to collaborate and strengthen our industry for the next generation.”
A Day of Discussion and Networking
The Agricultural Forum will feature a full schedule of guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, culminating with Commissioner Ball’s address.
Jeannette Kreher Heberling, president of the New York State Agricultural Society, said networking remains the biggest draw for attendees. “Representing all sectors of the supply chain, we reconnect, share insights, and explore emerging issues,” she said. “The Forum isn’t a how-to meeting—it’s a look at what’s ahead so we can position our businesses effectively.”
Featured Speakers
The 2026 Forum lineup includes leaders from across the agricultural and food sectors:
- Barbara Patterson, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Torrey Advisory Group in Washington, D.C., will open the morning session with a discussion on navigating complex federal policy issues.
- Martha Hilton and Cathy Gaffney of Wegmans Food Markets will follow with a joint presentation titled “The Art of the Pivot,” highlighting how innovation drives growth and adaptation in retail food.
- Nishant Roy, Chief Impact Officer at Chobani, and Karen Cartier, Chief Operating Officer for the Northeast Area of Dairy Farmers of America, will lead an afternoon session on the state of dairy processing in New York.
- The day will conclude with a roundtable, “Seeding Innovation. Growing Opportunity,” moderated by Maureen Ballatori, CEO of Agency 29, featuring entrepreneurs and agribusiness leaders Pauly Guglielmo (Craft Cannery), Peppe Bonfiglio (Mastronardi Produce), and Brian Nicholson (Red Jacket Orchards).
Honoring Excellence in Agriculture
The Forum will also recognize outstanding contributions to New York’s agricultural industry with awards in eight categories, including farm safety, journalism, agricultural promotion, next generation farmers, and century and bicentennial farms.
Registration for the event is now open at www.nysagsociety.org.
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