The present and future global needs of the agricultural industry and the roles veterinarians can play in maintaining the health of the industry will be the topic of a two day symposium hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association on October 17-18 at the O’Hare Marriott located outside of Chicago.

“As agriculture continues to move away from the small family farm to mega-sized’ corporate enterprises, those involved in terrestrial and aquatic animal production are continually faced with new challenges and opportunities,” said Richard C. Swanson, D.V.M., President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “This symposium is bringing together some of the most dynamic speakers from all areas of agriculture and veterinary medicine.”

Max Armstrong, one of America’s most popular farm broadcasters, is one of the 26 speakers scheduled to share their thoughts on preparing for a productive future in agriculture. His agriculture and economic programs broadcast on Chicago’s WGN radio reach thousands of farmers and a few million urban consumers daily. He is a contributing reporter for “U.S. Farm Report,” which is the country’s foremost syndicated television farm show. His experiences provide him with a unique, general, perspective of the concerns of the farmers and their urban consumers.

“Growing up on a grain and livestock farm plus reporting on agriculture and the economy from all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries, I have seen firsthand the changes in the relationship between veterinarians and agriculture,” said Max Armstrong. “This symposium is an important step in addressing the challenges ahead,” he added