FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno State’s 2026 Agribusiness Management Conference, “Navigating Risk in Uncertain Times,” brings together some of California agriculture’s most respected leaders to examine the forces transforming our industry and the strategies needed to thrive.
Agriculture has always required resilience, but today’s leaders are navigating a landscape where regulatory pressures, shifting global markets, labor challenges, and rapidly evolving technologies can change the outlook almost overnight. How organizations respond to that uncertainty may define their success for years to come.
During Panel #1: The Forces Reshaping Agricultural Risk, Julie Adams of the Almond Board of California and Abby Taylor-Silva of Kahn Soares & Conway will explore the regulatory, market, and industry forces changing how agricultural organizations understand and manage risk.
Panel #2: Leading through Uncertainty shifts the conversation from understanding risk to leading through it. Ian Weiland of Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland and Jared Ramos of E. & J. Gallo Winery will share practical perspectives on leadership, decision-making, and organizational resilience when the path forward is not always clear.
The conference concludes with an inspiring keynote from Walt Duflock, Vice President of Innovation at Western Growers, who will explore how robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation are redefining the future of agriculture—and what these technologies mean for the people and organizations leading the industry forward.
Whether you are an industry executive, producer, educator, or part of the next generation of agricultural leaders, the 2026 Agribusiness Management Conference offers an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of the industry, consider what is coming next, and learn alongside the people helping shape California agriculture. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, valuable connections, and fresh perspectives to help their organizations navigate uncertainty and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
