A One-Day Agriculture Conference For Farmers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Friday, July 31, 2026 | 10:00 – 3:00
North Charleston Convention Center
Charleston, South Carolina
FarmForward Summit is about helping farmers stay ahead—not just keep up.
Agriculture is changing fast. Markets shift, costs rise, and decisions made today shape the next season and the next generation. The FarmForward Summit brings farmers together to look ahead, share real‑world perspectives, and explore practical strategies to improve productivity and profitability, before challenges force reactive decisions.
FarmForward Summit 2026 Agenda and Breakout Sessions
- 9:30–10:00 | Registration & Networking
- 10:00–10:50 | Welcome + Opening Session:
Evaluating Farm Diversification: Ideas, Numbers, Next Steps
A practical look at diversification ideas, feasibility, and next steps from lender perspectives and fellow farmers
- 11:00–11:45 | Breakout Round 1
Succession & Estate Planning
Nicholas Brown, Brown Law LLC & NC State Extension
Learn practical steps for planning farm transition, protecting assets, and setting up the next generation for success while avoiding common legal and family pitfalls.
Commodity Marketing
Edgar Woods, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Daniel Brinson, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Matt Moosbrugger, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Explore current market trends, how to manage risk and make informed, proactive decisions in volatile markets
Farm Tech Tools that Save Time or Money
Dr. Wesley Porter, UGA Precision Ag & Irrigation Specialist
Lauren Lazaro, UGA Extension Precision Ag Specialist
Rachael Sharp, Sharp & Sharp Farms
Understand practical tech – from optimizing existing equipment and precision equipment upgrades to AI recordkeeping tools that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver real on‑farm value.
- 12:00–12:50 | Networking Lunch
- 1:00–1:45 | Breakout Round 2
Succession & Estate Planning
Nicholas Brown, Brown Law LLC & NC State Extension
Learn practical steps for planning farm transition, protecting assets, and setting up the next generation for success while avoiding common legal and family pitfalls.
Commodity Marketing
Edgar Woods, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Daniel Brinson, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Matt Moosbrugger, Palmetto Grain Brokerage
Explore current market trends, how to manage risk and make informed, proactive decisions in volatile markets
Farm Tech Tools that Save Time or Money
Dr. Wesley Porter, UGA Precision Ag & Irrigation Specialist
Lauren Lazaro, UGA Extension Precision Ag Specialist
Rachael Sharp, Sharp & Sharp Farms
Understand practical tech – from optimizing existing equipment and precision equipment upgrades to AI recordkeeping tools that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver real on‑farm value.
- 2:00 – 3:00 | General Session
Farmers Talk: Real Decisions, Real Results
Experienced farmers from Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina share honest insights on diversification, technology, succession planning, and adapting to change.
- 3:00 | Closing
Register for FarmForward Summit
Registration is coming soon!
FarmForward Summit FAQs
Who should attend?
FarmForward Summit is designed for farmers who are building their future in agriculture—whether you’re early or mid-career or ready to pass down the farm, farming full-time or working to turn farming into a profitable side business. The summit is especially valuable for producers who want to think proactively about productivity, profitability, and what’s ahead.
Is this a full day event?
The summit will be held from 10:00 – 3:00 on Friday, July 31. This could be an opportunity to bring your family for an “end of the summer” getaway in Charleston!
I am coming from out of town. Are hotel rooms covered?
While the event is free of charge, AgSouth will not cover room cost. We do have a small room block available for booking on a first come, first served basis. There are several hotels close to conference center that could be an option for staying overnight.
What should I bring?
Nothing! We will provide all materials needed.
Hotel and Travel Information
AgSouth Reserved Room Block:
- Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Airport
- Thursday, July 30 – Friday July 31, 2026
- Group Rate: $169.00 per night
- Last Day to Book: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Book your group rate for AgSouth Farmer Conference Attendee Block
Questions:
Contact Heather Brannen at Heather.Brannen@AgSouthFC.com