2026 Wisconsin Ag Outlook Forum to examine agriculture and trade through the WI experience

The 2026 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed “Agriculture and Trade: The Wisconsin Experience,” will take place on Tuesday, January 27, on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The in-person event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Varsity Hall at Union South (1308 West Dayton Street, Madison). A reception will follow the forum.

Organized by UW–Madison’s Renk Agribusiness Institute, the forum will focus on how global trade dynamics and shifting market conditions are shaping Wisconsin’s agricultural economy.

In recent years, trade has taken center stage in U.S. agriculture, with tariffs, trade wars, and widening trade deficits dominating headlines. After more than 60 years of trade surpluses, the U.S. agricultural sector is now facing significant trade deficits, driven by higher input costs, lower crop prices, and increasing financial stress on farms. Meanwhile, many farm groups are calling for additional federal support, signaling that another ad hoc assistance program may be on the horizon.

Trade is particularly important for Wisconsin, which exports a diverse mix of agricultural products — from dairy, meats, and processed vegetables to corn, soybeans, dairy genetics, and specialty crops such as cranberries, dry beans, and ginseng. Yet despite national challenges, some measures 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.

The morning program will feature the annual situation and outlook updates for dairy, livestock, grains, and farm income, presented by experts from the UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the UW–Madison Division of Extension, and industry partners.

The afternoon session will delve deeper into Wisconsin’s agricultural trade experience through two lenses. First, farmers and professionals who work directly with producers will share on-the-ground insights about how trade issues are affecting the current farm economy. Second, Wisconsin companies and organizations engaged in agricultural trade will provide a broader international perspective on market opportunities, risks, and policy impacts.

Registration is open through January 20 at go.wisc.edu/AgOutlookForum2026.

The $75 early bird registration fee includes the forum, lunch, snacks, and reception. A reserved parking pass may be purchased for $20 during registration and must be reserved by December 23, 2025.

Those unable to attend in person can watch a free livestream on the Renk Agribusiness Institute’s YouTube channel. No registration is required for virtual participation.

For questions please contact Megan Webster at mawebster@wisc.edu.