WILMINGTON, Ohio — After two years in Lima, the Ohio Grain Farmers Symposium is moving to Wilmington for this year’s event, scheduled for Dec. 15. The conference and trade show will be in the Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, just north of downtown Wilmington at Interstate 71 and Ohio 68. “This location may be a little bit more accessible to farmers,” said David Blankenship, program coordinator with the Ohio Soybean Assoc. (OSA). “We’re trying to move around the state to draw different farmers, to draw more of a crowd.”

Last year, about 325 attended. The symposium is coordinated by the OSA and the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Assoc. (OCWGA). The timing of the symposium allows grain farmers to get information for the 2012 growing year, he noted. “This is a great way for farmers to get prepared for next year, to get involved with their organizations and get informed about organizations they’re a member of,” Blankenship said. “It’s a little more of a lax time for farmers.”

Presentations for this year’s conference will focus on water quality, grain markets and horizontal drilling for natural gas located beneath shale in some areas of the state. “The goal is to look at the priorities of grain farmers and give them information about those issues,” Blankenship stated. “For example, in looking at natural gas drilling, we want to discuss what (farmers) might get out of it and how it could impact their land and fields.”

Matt Roberts, an associate professor with Ohio State University’s Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics (AEDE), will give an “early bird” market report. Barry Ward, an assistant extension professor with AEDE, will also discuss grain markets.

Mark Scapitti, state agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ohio, will discuss water conservation. Farmers need to be proactive in dealing with environmental issues, Blankenship explained. “They have to stay ahead of the ball game and work to protect land and water before there are problems,” he said.

An update on water quality in the state of Ohio will also be provided during the symposium, he said. Ladonna Lee, of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, will discuss freedom to operate, agriculture’s image and CommonGround, a nationwide program in which farm wives share agriculture’s story with the public.

The trade show will feature at least 30 organizations and businesses, such as banks and seed dealers, Blankenship noted. Businesses that would like to reserve a booth should contact the OSA.

The cost of the symposium is $35 for members of the OSA and OCWGA, and $45 for non-members. The day-long symposium begins at 7:30 a.m.

For an agenda and to register, visit www.ohiograinfarmerssymposium.org