ARA Conference & Expo Blog

Stay on top of the latest from speakers, ARA staff and other ag retail thought leaders with the blog posts below.

The scoop podcast: insights from artificial intelligence have arrived

What if you could transform a task that used to take half of your day to just minutes? For agronomists looking to streamline crop scouting, gain efficiencies, and agronomic recommendations, AI is offering such a solution. And while the technology exists, Taranis Chief Commercial Officer Jason Minton says retailers should let go of any fear they have about AI, start using it, and get excited for the future. Bushel's Ryan Raguse will join Minton for a panel about AI Applications in Ag with The Scoop's Margy Eckelkamp as the moderator.

You can hear more in The Scoop Podcast!

houston, we have a tour!

Let the countdown begin for the NASA Johnson Space Center Tour, Houston’s top attraction! With the largest collection of artifacts in the southwestern US, the Space Center has been fueling curiosity and innovation through the history of America’s human space-flight program since 1992. 

Discover what else you can learn or experience first-hand about space in the blog post below.

Meet Astronaut Mike Mullane

Buckle up and lift your team to new heights in safety with "Stories from Space" told by former astronaut Mike Mullane.

Explore Mullane's invigorating life experiences with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and hiking some of the world's highest peaks.

Plus, see what former President Ronald Reagan told him and the crew on Space Shuttle Discovery's maiden voyage in the blog post below.

About ARAPAC and the Dinner & Auction

"Naturally, we are a competitive group in the marketplace and some of that bubbles up during the bidding action at the ARAPAC auction. It’s all in good spirits as we work toward the common goals of ARA. There’s nothing more satisfying than outbidding a friend for an item on the auction list, knowing it went to support our industry.” 

Read more from ARAPAC Committee Chair Ryan Burke and ARA's Richard Gupton in this blog post about ARAPAC and the annual Dinner & Auction held at the House of Blues during ARA Conference week.

Biofuels 101

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with its tax incentives for biofuels and subsidies for climate-smart agriculture, represents the dawn of a new policy era supporting American farmers’ clean energy innovation. While the path to crafting fair guidance and claiming these credits presents challenges, they provide a unique opportunity to influence policymaking and put money directly into the pockets of American farmers.

Read more from Keynote Speaker Tim Urban in this blog post providing a background on his Biofuels 101 session during the opening general session.

Tee Off at the golf club of houston

Tee off at one of the best courses in Texas, the Golf Club of Houston, at this year’s ARA Invitational Golf Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Each year, players say this is one of the most powerful networking opportunities during the ARA Conference & Expo. 

To show their appreciation, many company leaders stack their golf foursomes with customers and partners as they compete for the top score. 

Several prizes will be up for grab – catch the winners named from the ARA Conference main stage! Plus, each player will receive a Golf Club of Houston Hat and poker chip ball marker.

Read more about this top-notch course by clicking below.

ARA Conference registration opens with New schedule

2024-2025 ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus, co-owner of Asmus Farm Supply, at the 2023 ARA Conference.

ARA opened registration with a rejuvenated schedule for its annual Conference & Expo, to be held Dec. 3-5 in Houston, Texas.

ARA Board Chair Amy Asmus, co-owner of Asmus Farm Supply, encourages industry leaders to join the conversations at the ARA Conference this year:

“The ever-changing landscape of ag retail presents us with many opportunities as well as challenges. Attendees will leave knowing how to evaluate and react to fluctuations in a way that helps their businesses and our industry thrive."

Read more from ARA's news release published June 11.