The upcoming Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum is set for Jan. 27. It will have a special focus on the critical role of trade in shaping Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. The forum will explore how export markets, global competition, and shifting trade policies influence producers and agribusinesses.
The event will take place on the UW-Madison campus, organized by UW-Madison’s Renk Agribusiness Institute. This is the campus’s hub for agribusiness teaching, research, and extension/outreach, located in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
While trade serves as the primary focus of the forum, the program will also address major national developments. This includes the recent $12 billion federal aid package for farmers. It will also discuss how such initiatives may intersect with Wisconsin’s economic outlook.
Trade is particularly important for Wisconsin, which exports a diverse mix of agricultural products. This includes dairy, meats, processed vegetables, corn, soybeans, cranberries, dry beans, and ginseng. Despite national challenges, some indicators suggest Wisconsin agriculture may be faring better than other regions. The 2026 forum will explore whether that impression holds true, and what factors are driving different outcomes across sectors.
“Trade remains a defining factor for Wisconsin agriculture,” says event organizer Paul Mitchell, professor and extension specialist in the UW-Madison Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. “Producers are navigating a complicated global market, and this year’s forum provides timely insight into how these forces affect farms, businesses, and rural communities here at home.”
The forum’s morning program will feature the customary data-rich economic situation and outlook updates for dairy, livestock, grains, and farm income. Presenters include UW experts and industry partners.
Afternoon sessions will take a closer look at Wisconsin’s agricultural trade experience through two lenses. The first session will examine how global trade conditions affect Wisconsin farms. Panelists will discuss impacts on farm finances, bankruptcies, agricultural lending, producer experiences, and the toll these pressures can take on farmer mental health. The second will highlight Wisconsin companies and organizations engaged in agricultural trade. This will offer a broader international perspective on market opportunities, risks, and policy impacts.
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