Kansas Ag Connection - Inaugural AgCon: Business, Government to Discuss Ag Futures

Kansas Ag News Headlines

Inaugural AgCon: Business, Government to Discuss Ag Futures
Kansas Ag Connection - 03/21/2018

The upcoming AgCon2018 will explore a range of current questions and topics facing the agricultural futures markets.

The first-of-its-kind joint conference from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Center for Risk Management Education and Research at Kansas State University, will take place April 5--6 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center in Overland Park.

The full agenda and registration information for AgCon2018, "Protecting America's Agricultural Markets: An Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference," can be viewed at the AgCon2018 website.

The conference will include presentations and discussions from leading academic researchers as well as distinguished voices from the private sector and government.

"I am looking forward to getting back to this region to listen and contribute to important discussions about current macro-economic trends and issues affecting American agricultural futures markets and the importance of these markets for managing risk and protecting participants from manipulation, fraud, and other unlawful activities," said CFTC Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo.

Attendees will hear from:

- Kansas' U.S. Senate delegation, Pat Roberts (chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee) and Jerry Moran, both of whom have been invited to provide keynote presentations

- John Floros, dean of Kansas State University's College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension

- CFTC Chairman Giancarlo and Commissioners Brian Quintenz and Rostin Behnam, sponsor of CFTC's Agricultural Advisory Committee

Panel discussions will focus on:

- The role of speculators in futures markets -- with academic research from University of California, Davis, and panelists from the University of Richmond; K-State; CME Group; and INTL FCStone, Inc.

- High-frequency trading -- with academic research from Columbia Business School and panelists from QUANTLAB Financial; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLC; CFTC, and The Gavilon Group, LLC

- Futures contract design -- with academic research from K-State and panelists from Bartlett Cattle Co.; CFTC; Arcadia Asset Management, LLC; Kerns and Associates

- Troubleshooting convergence -- with academic research from the University of Illinois and panelists from COFCO; Citadel Investment Group; CFTC; and independent trading

- Detecting fraud and avoiding fraud in agricultural futures -- with panelists from CFTC

During the two-day conference, several speakers from government, academic research and business sectors will offer presentations and discussions over meals, as well. Topics will include blockchain technology, a market update and remarks from CFTC officials.

General registration is $200 per attendee ($250 after March 30) and includes meals and conference materials. Students can register for $20.

Full details can be found at www.k-state.edu/riskmanagement/conference.html

Other Kansas Headlines