FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The educational seminars at this year’s Fort Wayne Farm Show will kick off, as they have for years, with a market outlook featuring analysts David Kohli and John Cavanaugh. The show is Jan. 13-15 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.

The presentation at 10 a.m. the first day of the show also has Rob Winters, farm director for WOWO radio, and Ryan Martin, who will give a weather outlook.

“The crop and weather outlook with David, John, Rob and Ryan has been a crowd favorite for so many years because it delivers exactly what farmers value most: timely insight from experts they recognize,” noted Elysia Rodgers, DeKalb County, Ind., Extension director and agriculture and natural resources educator. “Each of these presenters brings deep experience and a clear, practical way of explaining what’s ahead – whether that’s shifting markets, yield expectations or weather patterns that could make or break a season.

“There’s also an energy to the session that makes it stand out. The presenters know their audience, they know each other, and they keep the discussion engaging, fast-moving and grounded in what matters right now. It’s become a tradition – one that helps farmers walk into a new season with greater clarity, confidence and connection to the people who help them navigate the uncertainties of agriculture.”

The educational sessions are presented by the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Purdue University Extension.

Purdue and the Allen County SWCD do a fantastic job of getting leading experts to discuss hot topics in the ag industry, said Dan Slowinski, show director with Tradexpos Inc., which produces the show.

“As always, the Midwest Ag Market Outlook always kicks things off Tuesday morning, and is always the most attended seminar,” he said.

Michael Langemeier, director of the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture, will offer his market outlook at 10 a.m. Jan. 14.

A luncheon on the 14th from Indiana Farm Bureau will focus on the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. Other sessions during the show include a discussion of biosecurity essentials for livestock owners, and pesticide applicator and anhydrous ammonia safety. Training for the CORE pesticide applicator test will also be provided.

The seminars are a vital part of the show because they bring depth, relevance and real value to the experience, Rodgers said. Attendees come to explore the latest equipment, technology and services, and the educational sessions connect all that innovation to day-to-day decision-making on the farm, she added.

“They offer producers practical, research-based information they can take home and apply – whether it’s strengthening soil management, navigating market volatility or adopting new conservation practices.

“These sessions also create a space for conversation and connection. They give farmers the chance to learn directly from university specialists, industry experts and peers who understand the challenges facing agriculture right now. That exchange of ideas strengthens the show and strengthens the ag community.”

Rodgers said in many ways, the seminars transform the farm show from a marketplace into a learning hub. They reinforce the show’s mission of supporting producers not just with tools and technology, but with knowledge that keeps farms resilient, efficient and moving forward, she pointed out.

For a schedule of the educational seminars, visit tradexpos.com and click on the Fort Wayne Farm Show tab.