This year, Purdue’s Large Commercial Producer Project will headline the 2017 National Conference for Food and Agribusiness. The project, which is conducted every four years, is the flagship research project of the school’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business. The event is slated to take place in West Lafayette, Indiana between November 7 and 8.
The Purdue Large Commercial Producer Project is based on a producer survey that focuses on corn/soybean, wheat/barley, cotton, fruit/nut/vegetables, dairy, hog and cattle. The goal is to provide insight into the preferences of large-scale producers as they engage with other agricultural industry experts, such as salespeople. This year’s survey will also focus on procurement.
“Understanding customers’ purchasing preferences, decision-making processes and buying behaviors gives agribusinesses opportunities to tailor their customer service approaches and co-create value,” said Michael Gunderson, associate center director and associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue. “The National Conference and the Large Commercial Producer Project are both designed to offer deeper understanding of the industry and customers agribusinesses serve.”
In addition to focusing on procurement, the 2017 survey asked producers about their loyalty to input brands and retailers. At this year’s conference, buying preferences, risk management, and producer strategies will all be addressed.
Attendees will receive the project’s themes report. Early registration is now open, and more information can be found by visiting the Purdue website.