Monday, June 15 to Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM
Conference Agenda
Updated 5/26/26
New Mexico faces a growing challenge as many of its experienced agricultural producers approach retirement, leaving a critical gap in the future of farming and food production. This conference aims to inspire and equip the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Over the course of this three-day event, attendees will gain valuable insights into entering and succeeding in the agricultural industry. Attendees can connect with bankers, marketers, business professionals, farmers' market associations, educators, and established producers.
Whether you're interested in starting your own operation, expanding your family farm, or exploring careers in agriculture, this conference offers the knowledge, resources, and connections to help you take the next step.
Monday, June 15
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:15 p.m. New Mexico Department of Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte Welcome Address
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Succession Planning & Business Structure with Antonia Roybal Mack & Ken Leach Long
Explore strategies for successful farm succession planning, including asset transfer,
family communication, and long-term legacy goals. Learn how different farming
business structures can support a smooth transition, manage risk, and ensure the
operation’s continuity across generations.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Farm to Table and UNM Researchers on Land and Capital Access for Early-Stage Farmers
Join Cathy Day from Farm to Table and Kathryn Coakley from University of New Mexico for a listening session
focused on the real needs of beginning farmers. Share your experiences and help shape
future programs, resources, and research to better support new producers.
4:00 p.m. Break
4:30 p.m. Keynote Address – Gabrielle Homer
Gabrielle Homer is a multi-talented professional who holds several roles, including rancher, CFO,
secretary, and treasurer at Painted Hills Natural Beef. Gabrielle, influenced by strong women in
her family, dives into her career, highlighting her extensive experience in banking, insurance,
and marketing, and explains how each experience has shaped her leadership skills.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Networking Tabletop Reception
Mingle with fellow attendees and industry leaders. Heavy appetizers and cash bar.
Tuesday, June 16
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Opening Session
8:45 a.m. Consumer Engagement Training Featuring Morgan Walker, Managing Director of Brand Marketing
Communications, American Farm Bureau Federation
Explore innovative ways farmers can connect with consumers. Learn to share your story, values,
and practices to build trust and transparency, using storytelling, digital engagement, and consumer
education. Discover how stronger communication can promote sustainability and deepen
appreciation for American agriculture.
9:30 a.m. Land & Acequia Access Panel
Featuring Wes Medlock (NM LandLink and Path to Plate) and Marco Valdez (East Rio Arriba Soil &
Water Conservation District) explore key issues surrounding agricultural land access and acequia
water rights. Panelists will discuss barriers facing beginning producers, legal and policy
considerations, and the role of community-based water management. Learn how these systems
influence farming opportunities and long-term land stewardship across the region
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Tools in the Toolbox - Financial, Technical, and Program Support for Producers
Hear from active producers who’ve grown and benefited from programs through the National Resource
Conservation Services (Ian Colburn) New Mexico Economic Development Department (Jason Gonzalez)
and Farm Credit System (Jacob Penn) & Risk Management. Learn how to access funding, navigate
programs, and build a more resilient agricultural operation.
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Breaking Barriers
This fast-paced, speed dating–style session brings together leaders across the agricultural
ecosystem—capital providers, commodities experts, equipment innovators, land stewards,
labor advocates, and conservation pioneers—for a series of dynamic, small-group conversations.
2:15 p.m. Load Buses for Group Tours
2:30 p.m. Depart for Tours
Farm Tour — Chispas Farm and Gutierrez-Hubbell House
Ranch Tour — King Ranch
6:00 p.m. Return from Tours
6:30 p.m. Mentor Dinner
Small group dinners are designed to break down barriers and foster open, candid conversation
between ag mentors and participants. Sign up for your spot at registration — space is limited.
Wednesday June 17
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:15 a.m. Diversify Income Opportunities
NMDA Marketing Specialist Kelsey Morley leads a panel featuring producers who have successfully
maximized the value of their agricultural products through innovative, diversified income streams.
Mary Ben (Bidi Baby Foods) Andy Yates (Rancher) Rachel Ryan (Backyard Farms).
9:15 a.m. Taking Care of Yourself
Farming is more than an occupation—it’s a way of life that comes with unique physical demands
and mental pressures. This session with Carlyle Stewart from Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union and
Mary Thelander from AgrAbility focuses on practical strategies to help farmers maintain both
mental resilience and physical well-being.
10:15 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Marketing Pathways in Production Agriculture
Executive Director of the New Mexico Farmer’s Marketing Association Denise Miller leads this
important panel featuring Megan Foot, Casey Holland, Sage Hagen and Bryce Townsend. Explore
practical strategies to expand your agricultural markets and increase profitability through direct sales.
This panel highlights opportunities in farmers markets, CSAs, online sales, and local partnerships.
Learn how to diversify your marketing channels, build customer relationships, and capture more value
from your products. Ideal for producers looking to grow or strengthen their market presence.
11:50 p.m. Closing Keynote Address
Bristol Peterson is a first-generation farmer and entrepreneur in Georgia who grows pecans, raises
sheep, runs a flower and event business, and works in trucking logistics. Her message, “Busy, Bold,
and Building It Anyway,” reflects her experience creating a life from scratch while balancing
multiple roles. She shares an honest perspective on resilience, sustainable hustle, and
finding joy in the process.
12:30 p.m. Lunch and Final Thoughts