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2026 SDBA Ag Credit Conference
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 8:00 AM to Thursday, July 16, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT
Category: SDBA Events

2026 SDBA Ag Credit Conference

July 15-16, 2026

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center | 920 W. Sioux Ave. | Pierre, SD

Download & Print Registration Materials | Register Online |  Exhibit/Sponsor Form

 

REGISTRATION FEES

Conference Fee: $550/member or $700/non-member
After June 30: $575/member or $725/non-member
Onsite: $600/member or $750/non-member
Handouts: All provided presentations will be available on the SDBA's website. Hard copy handouts will be provided for $35 per person.

Cancellation Policy: 100% refund if canceled before June 30; 75% refund if canceled July 1-4; no refund if canceled July 5 or later. Substitutions allowed at any time.

HOTEL INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the following hotels in Pierre:

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center (NEWLY REMODELED!)
920 W. Sioux Ave. | Pierre
Phone: 605.224.6877
Rate: $159-$179
Block Name: SD Bankers Association Ag Conference
Block Closes: June 14

ClubHouse Hotel & Suites
808 W. Sioux Ave. | Pierre
Phone: 605.494.2582
Rate: $169-$209
Block Name: SD Bankers Ag Conference
Block Closes: June 14

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The 2026 SDBA Agricultural Credit Conference brings together key professionals from the financial and agricultural industries to discuss critical issues related to agricultural financing and credit accessibility. This event provides a forum to examine emerging trends, tackle common challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration that enhance the resilience and long-term success of the agricultural sector. Through expert presentations, engaging discussions, panel sessions, and a well-rounded exhibit hall, attendees will gain valuable knowledge on navigating agricultural lending challenges, managing risks, and seizing opportunities for growth in this essential industry.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, July 15

7:00-8:00am         Registration + Continental Breakfast
8:00-8:15am         
Welcome | Joe Lutter
8:15-9:15am         
High Impact Meteorology | Eric Snodgrass

9:15-9:55am         Inside Washington: Agricultural Banking Policy, the Farm Bill, and the ABA’s Federal Priorities | Ed Elfmann
9:55-10:10am       Exhibitor Showcase
10:10-10:30am     Break with Exhibitors
10:30-11:10am     Navigating Uncertainty with Purpose | John Melius
11:10-11:50am      Breakout Sessions - Round 1

  • Tying it all Together | Loren Hanson
  • Round Robin Valuation Topics | Brian Gatzke
  • Avera Farm Stress Hotline Overview | Karl Oehlke

11:50-12:30pm      Breakout Sessions - Round 2 (repeated)
12:30-1:15pm        Lunch
1:15-2:15pm          Tight Margins, Big Decisions: Commodities, Credit, and Farmland Values | Blaine Nelson
2:15-3:15pm          Legal Issues Impacting Today's Ag Lender Panel

  • Keith Gauer
  • Randy McFarling
  • John McGrath

3:15-3:30pm        Break
3:30-3:45pm        Exhibitor Showcase
3:45-4:45pm        Empowering Ag Credit with Responsible AI: From Copilot to Intelligent Agents | Abby Hanson
4:45-6:00pm        Happy Hour 

Thursday, July 16

7:30-8:00am        Continental Breakfast
8:00-9:00am        Are the Cycle Highs in for Cattle? If so, now what? | Troy Bockelmann
9:00-10:15am      The Great Transition: Generational Wealth Transfer and the Future of Agriculture

  • Facilitator: Clay Birkeland
  • Alan Hojer
  • Jayna Voss
  • Ed Fiegen
  • Lori Larson

10:15-10:30am    Break
10:30-11:00am    Growing Forward: Ag Development in South Dakota | Bill Even
11:00-12:00pm    Challenges Build Champions™: How Elite Professionals and Leaders Perform Under Pressure Without Burning Out | Matt Scoletti

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & SPECIAL REQUESTS

For special requests, contact Halley Lee at 605.224.1653 or [email protected] by July 3.