Join StaCon25 to ‘navigate your ag future’

The New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) State Annual Convention (StaCon25) is the event of the year for farmers, agribusiness professionals and agricultural community leaders across New York.

This year’s event takes place December 2-4, 2025, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

“This year’s theme, ‘Navigate Your Ag Future,’ reflects our commitment to equipping farmers with knowledge, tools and strategies to face modern agricultural challenges head-on,” said New York Farm Bureau Director of Events & Development Laurie Beach.

Why attend StaCon25

Agriculture is evolving rapidly. New technologies, regulations and challenges emerge every year. Members attending the NYFB State Annual Convention will gain actionable knowledge, learn from industry experts and set a course for sustained success. And policy-setting sessions will enable attending members to help guide the future of New York agriculture.

“StaCon is much more than a convention. It's a chance for our members to connect, grow and pave the way for a stronger agricultural community,” Beach added. “With the tools and insights offered, StaCon really helps farmers ‘navigate their ag future.’”

Two must-attend workshops presented by Nationwide

Nationwide, the official insurance and financial services company of New York Farm Bureau, is bringing two valuable workshops to StaCon25: Private Custom Application Safety and Making Dairy Farms More Insurable. These sessions are designed to address critical issues farmers face today and provide participants with practical takeaways to help strengthen their operations.

Private Custom Application Safety

Effective pesticide and application management is key to any successful farm operation. Held twice during StaCon25, this workshop will be led by Nationwide Risk Management Consultant and Certified Crop Advisor Derek Hommer, who has 20 years of experience in crop management, pesticides and custom application. The session offers a deep dive into best practices and compliance, and applicators will receive two core credits for attending. Pre-registration is required.

Attendees will learn:

• Responsible and effective use of pesticides
• Understanding pesticide labels and integrating the information into effective application strategies
• How to identify and protect sensitive environmental areas
• Proper use, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of application equipment
• Safe handling procedures for chemicals to ensure workplace safety

Dates and times:

• Tuesday, December 2, 1:00-3:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 3, 4:30-6:30 PM

Making Dairy Farms More Insurable

For dairy farmers, navigating the insurance market can be daunting. That’s especially true amid challenges like high interest rates and growing operational risks. This workshop will be led by Nationwide Senior Dairy Consultant Dan Rice. The longtime dairy industry expert will explore the challenges dairy farmers face when obtaining insurance. He will also offer strategies to help become more insurable. With weather volatility, market disruptions and other uncertainties on the rise, this presentation will offer strategies to dairy farmers seeking to protect their livelihoods.

Attendees will learn:

• What underwriters look for when assessing farm insurance applications
• Common risk factors that can influence coverage and premiums
• Practical steps to help improve insurability and reduce risk on the farm
• Real-world examples of how proactive strategies help deliver long-term benefits

Date and time: Wednesday, December 3, 3:30-4:30 PM

Register today and make the most of StaCon25

StaCon25 is more than a convention. It’s a hub for education, networking, inspiration and advocacy for New York agriculture. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for the challenges and opportunities the future holds for your farm. Register for StaCon25 here.