INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 16, 2014) - At this year's Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain Forum on March 13, Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) is planning a dynamic morning general session focused on a hot topic in agriculture and beyond - big data.

Kenneth Cukier, data editor at The Economist and co-author of "Big Data: A Revolution that Will Transform How We Work, Live and Think," is the keynote speaker. Cukier will explore the hottest trend in technology and the dramatic impact it will have on the economy, science and society. He will also give real-world examples on the role big data plays, including Google flu trends and targeted advertising.

"Big data is one of the hottest topics out there today so to focus on it at this year's forum makes perfect sense," said Jane Ade Stevens, CEO of Indiana Soybean Alliance. "After our keynote speaker gives us a broad overview of what big data means to everyone, we are going to dive into what it means to agriculture and individual farmers with a panel discussion."

Another highlight of the morning session will be the Beck's Hybrids Beyond the Fence awards when four individuals will be honored for their outstanding service and contributions to the agriculture.

Register Today

This year's forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 13 and is moving to the Marriott Indianapolis, located at 350 W. Maryland Street in downtown Indianapolis.

Pre-registration is required and the $25 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Visit www.indianasoybean.com/forumfor more information and to register.

Afternoon Sessions

While the morning session of the forum is sponsored by the soybean checkoff, the rest of the day is a cooperative effort of organizations from diverse sectors of the state's agricultural industry to provide Indiana grain farmers and livestock producers with the latest news, trends and issues affecting Indiana's livestock, grain and forage industries. 

In addition to ISA, participating organizations include Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Dairy Producers, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Forage Council, Indiana Pork, Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, Inc., and Purdue Extension.

Visit www.indianasoybean.com/forumfor a complete agenda and to register.

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CONTACT:

Megan Kuhn, Indiana Soybean Alliance, 317-614-0377 or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Indiana Soybean Alliance works to enhance the viability of Indiana soybean farmers through the effective and efficient investment of soybean checkoff funds and the development of sound policies that protect and promote the interest of Indiana soybean farmers. The ISA is working to build new markets for soybeans through the promotion of biodiesel, livestock, grain marketing, aquaculture, new soybean uses, and research. ISA is led by an elected farmer board that directs investments of the soybean checkoff funds on behalf of more than 28,000 Indiana soybean farmers and promotes policies on behalf of the ISA's 800 dues-paying members. Visit www.indianasoybean.comfor more information.

This communication was funded with soybean checkoff dollars.

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