Register today for the 2025 Forum: Tech, Trends & Teachable Moments
About Our Forum
The Annual Forum of the NYS Agricultural Society is one of the oldest and largest meetings of its kind in NY and possibly the US. All sectors of the ag industry - producers, advocates, decision-makers, and aspiring leaders - gather to discuss and dissect emerging issues and to network with peers. The Commissioner of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets describes the Forum as the largest family reunion in the state! Past themes have included regenerative business, building resiliency, trade and tech changes, diversification strategies and introducing the next generation of agriculturists. Conducted each January in Syracuse, NY - the heart of Central NY - the Forum is a day-long program capped off by the Commissioner’s State of Agriculture Address. Eight awards are announced annually including: Ag Promotion, Business of the Year, “Cap Creal” Communications recognition, Century and Bicentennial Farms, Distinguished Service, Farm Safety, Next Generation Farmer and NY FFA Chapter of the Year.
Who Attends the Forum?
22% Producers of NY commodities
20% NY colleges
18% Commodity/advocacy organizations
16% Finance, law, farm supply, processor, consultant
8% Cornell Cooperative Extension staff
7% County, state and federal government representation
7% College students & FFA Chapters
2% Media
Multiple sponsorship opportunities available!
Thank you 2024 Forum Sponsors
Our financial supporters make a good Forum better by enhancing the quality of our venue, speakers, exhibitors, special events and more!
Forum Awards
The NYS Agricultural Society and their patrons recognize leaders in the following categories at the annual Forum:
AG PROMOTION
Recognizing individuals and groups for their efforts to improve the understanding of agriculture off the farm.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Honoring businesses for the quality, leadership and innovation they demonstrate both internally and externally in the communities where they are located.
CAP CREAL AWARDS
This award spotlights the work contributed by a variety of stakeholders to disseminate well executed communications about NY agriculture and food. Three categories of honorees include: Communicator of the Year, Digital & Social Media Champion, Traditional Journalism.
CENTURY & BICENTENNIAL AWARDS
Honoring farms who have been continually operated by the same family on the same footprint for 100 years or more.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION
Recognizing an individual who has dedicated a lifetime of service, resulting in outstanding contributions to the NY ag, food and natural resources industry.
FARM SAFETY AWARD
Honoring farm operations that provide exceptionally healthy and safe workplaces.
NEXT GENERATION FARMER
Recognizing a new generation of industry stakeholders who are operating in new and vibrant ways.
NY FFA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Recognizing local chapters who are doing outstanding work to develop youth and the communities where they reside.
Deadline for entry is October 15.
See award application links on each category page
