Mike Pearson was born and raised in South Central Iowa, where he grew to love agriculture on his family’s hog and cattle farm. After graduating from Simpson College, Mike moved to Grinnell, Iowa where he had the chance to build his own cow herd in addition to working as an agricultural lender.
Over the next 10 years, Mike left the world of finance and entered the world of media. He’s previously hosted “Market to Market” on Public Television, the Ag News Daily podcast, and currently, viewers can find him behind the anchor desk as the host of “This Week in Agribusiness” on RFD-TV.

What's Driving Agriculture Now?

Mike interviews over 1000 professionals in the ag industry each year. These folks range from experts on the volatile commodity markets to Washington DC politicians, and trade experts from around the world. In this talk, Mike will synthesize what he’s learned from these professionals and helps the audience understand what might be ahead in the markets, ag policy, and in trade.

Bryant Williams, Founder

Bryant Williams is a Food & CPG industry expert with 15+ years of experience working with several large companies that include the likes of General Mills and Colgate-Palmolive. Bryant has skills that cover understanding supply chain, product quality, procurement, and research & development. Over his career, Bryant is responsible for launching 300+ items into the retail market.

Emily Reno, Founder

Emily Reno is the founder of Mezclada, an agtech startup aimed at reducing barriers to land and capital access. A second-generation Mexican-American from Lawrence, Kansas, Emily has a diverse background in the food system, having worked as a waitress, in housekeeping, on farms, and in agricultural research. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights into the inefficiencies of current systems.As a generalist with a talent for recognizing connections, Emily is dedicated to helping others envision a brighter future. Her passion for community building and social change drives her work at Mezclada, where she aspires to create opportunities for future farmers and foster a movement of changemakers in agriculture.