AgX Arizona Summit 2026

1. Morning Program

   Kickoff, Opening Remarks & Morning Breakouts

2. 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

   Registration & Light Breakfast

   Networking and check-in at the main foyer.

3. 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

   Opening Sessions

   • Welcome & Opening Remarks: George Smith (Dean, College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona) & John Boelts (President, Arizona Farm Bureau)
   • Conference Overview: Stephanie Slinski (Program Director, Arizona Hub for Agricultural Innovation; Associate Director, Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, University of Arizona)
   • Fireside Chat: James McCain (Regent, Arizona Board of Regents) and John Boelts (President, Arizona Farm Bureau)
4. 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.

   Networking and Transition Break

5. 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

   Concurrent Breakout Sessions

   Session 2A

   From Data to Dirt: Advancing AgTech Solutions for Regenerative Soil Health in Arid-Land Agriculture

   Moderator

   • Joey BlankinshipAssociate Professor, Environmental Science, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Enrique VivoniProfessor, School of Earth & Space Exploration, Arizona State University
   • Lars DyrudCEO, Earth Optics
   • David SloaneDirector of Grower Services, Goanna Ag

   Session 2BCEUs planned

   The Next Generation of IPM: New Threats, New Tools, Smarter Decisions

   Moderator

   • Peter EllsworthProfessor & Extension Specialist, Entomology, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Macey KeithAssociate Extension Agent, UA
   • Chris DetranaltesAssociate Extension Agent, UA
   • Silvie HuijbenAssistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, ASU

   Session 2C

   Designed for the Desert: Building Water-Resilient Crops in Arizona

   Moderator

   • Duke PauliAssociate Professor, School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Debankur SanyalAssistant Professor, Environmental Science, University of Arizona
   • Betsy ArnoldProfessor & Interim Director, School of Plant Science, University of Arizona
   • Changbin ChenAssociate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
   • April CarrollR&D Pipeline Analytics & Digital Strategy Lead, Bayer Crop Science

6. Midday Keynote & Lunch

   11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

7. • Welcome: Tomás Díaz de la Rubia (Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, University of Arizona)

   Lunch Panel: The Changing Landscape of Water in Arizona Agriculture

   Moderator

   • Paul BrierleyDirector, Arizona Department of Agriculture

   Panelists

   • Sharon MegdalDirector, Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona
   • Sarah PorterDirector, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Morrison Institute, Arizona State University
   • Stefanie SmallhouseExecutive Director, Natural Resources Use and Land Policy Center, University of Arizona
   • Meghan Scott (invited)Partner, Scott & Rogers
8. 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

   Concurrent Breakout Sessions

   Session 3A

   Navigating Change: Energy, Policy, and Business Strategies for Arizona’s Ag Ecosystem

   Moderator

   • Phil BashawCEO, Arizona Farm Bureau

   Speakers

   • Sarah PorterDirector, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Morrison Institute, Arizona State University
   • Kelly BarrAssociate VP & Chief Alliance Officer, Global Futures Laboratory
   • Dale ArnoldDirector of Energy Policy, Ohio Farm Bureau
   • Jordy FuentesExecutive Director, Arizona Power Authority
   • Chris JimenezManager of Resource Planning, Arizona Generation & Transmission Cooperatives

   Session 3B

   Water, Technology, and Agricultural Resilience

   Moderators

   • Sharon MegdalDirector, Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona
   • Erica MartinResearch Associate, Impact Water – Arizona; PhD student, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University

   Speakers

   • Ed CurryPresident, Curry Seed and Chile Company
   • Ron Rayner & Ross RaynerPartners, A Tumbling T Ranches
   • Mark SmithPresident, Smith Farms Company of Yuma, Inc.
   • David DeJongDirector, Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, Gila River Indian Community

   Session 3C

   The Future of Ranching: Technology, Climate, and Stewardship

   Moderator

   • Flavie AudoinAssistant Professor & Extension Specialist, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Andrew McGibbonOwner/Operator, Santa Rita Ranch, Inc.
   • Mike CrimminsProfessor & Extension Specialist, Climate Science, University of Arizona
   • Stefanie SmallhouseExecutive Director, Natural Resources Use and Land Policy Center, University of Arizona
9. 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.

   Concurrent Breakout Sessions

   Session 4A

   The CEA Frontier: Building a Resilient and Productive Future for Arizona Agriculture

   Moderator

   • Murat KaciraProfessor & Director, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Theo ChrisantesChief Operations Officer, Wholesum
   • Chris CoxCEA Manager, Duncan Family Farms
   • Sam BertramCEA Manager, OnePointOne

   Session 4B

   From Data to Decisions: Navigating the Future of Technology-Enabled Farming

   Moderators

   • Tyler SmithSenior Director of The Luminosity Lab, Arizona State University
   • Connor OsgoodAgtech Program Manager, Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, University of Arizona
   • Jean Francois SmekensAssistant Research Professor, Northern Arizona University

   Speakers

   TBA

   Session 4C

   Breaking Silos: How Collaboration Drives Animal Biosecurity Innovation in Arizona

   Moderator

   • Amy GanguliProfessor, Rangeland Ecology & Management, University of Arizona

   Speakers

   • Ben MengesRancher, Menges Ranch; VP, Graham County Farm Bureau
   • Alicia EllisDirector, Center for Agriculture & National Security, Future Security Initiative, Arizona State University
   • David ByerlyAssistant State Veterinarian, FADD Animal Services Division, Arizona Department of Agriculture

   More TBA

   Session 4D

   Arizona Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Competition

   Moderator

   • Arizona Farm Bureau YF&R Committee

   Speakers

   Competitive showcase session featuring future agricultural leaders.

10. Wrap-Up & Evening Reception

    4:45 – 6:30 p.m.

11. 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.

    Wrap-Up Session

    • Key takeaways, looking ahead to next year’s goals and initiatives
    • Official announcements
    • Highlight of next year’s conference location
12. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

    Cocktail Hour with Arizona Farm Bureau

    Join fellow attendees, panelists, and sponsors to help shape the future of agriculture in Arizona.

Agenda details, speakers, and session titles are subject to change. Invited, tentative, and TBD designations reflect the current planning status.