The 2008 Ag at the Crossroads Conference on Nov. 6 will examine political, social and consumer trends influencing the future of the food animal industry in the U.S. The conference is sponsored by the Nebraska AgRelations Council and the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics.

Speakers include Dr. John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University, who will provide historical perspective on how intensive livestock production systems developed. Dr. Ted Schroeder, professor of livestock marketing at Kansas State University, will discuss consumer and market influences on livestock and poultry production.

Dr Marilyn Schnepf, chair of the UNL Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, will focus on the growing world demand for protein.

Dr. Wes Jamison, a research fellow at the University of Florida, will explore
the history of the animal rights movement and report research on how current trends, such as viewing pets as family members, have influenced food animal issues.

Chad Gregory, senior vice president of United Egg Producers, will explain strategies used by the egg industry to respond to animal rights organizations and changes in commercial egg production as a result of consumer trends and activist activities.

The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 at the Lancaster Event Center, located at 4100 N. 84th St., in Lincoln. The registration fee includes a luncheon, breaks and conference materials. Advance registration is $40, if received by Oct. 31, and $50 thereafter. Send registration and check payable to Nebraska AgRelations Council to: NAC, P.O. Box 830918, Lincoln NE 68583-0918. Limited on-site registration also will be available.