MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—As Midwest farmers navigate a complex landscape of shifting trade policies and rising input costs, Ohio State Marion’s “Buckeye Talks on Tap” series will host a public lecture focused on the future of the grain and oilseeds sector.
The event, titled “Agriculture Trade & Policy: The Outlook for Midwest Grain Markets,” will feature Dr. Ian Sheldon, an Ohio State professor and the Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy. The talk is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, located inside Passenger and Rail Co. in downtown Marion.
Dr. Sheldon’s presentation will evaluate how the implementation of broad U.S. tariffs has triggered retaliation from China, specifically impacting soybean exports. He will also outline the strategic importance of Mexico and Canada as trading partners ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Given this environment, the talk will evaluate prospects for exports, focusing on market potential beyond China,” organizers stated.
Dr. Sheldon, an elected Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, brings extensive expertise in international trade flows, exchange rate volatility, and carbon tariffs. His current research includes the impact of intellectual property rights on U.S. seed exports.
The “Buckeye Talks on Tap” series is inspired by the international Science Café movement, which aims to bring scholarly research into relaxed, public settings like cafés and pubs to encourage civil dialogue.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for the free event, with the lecture followed by a brief Q&A session. Attendees may purchase food and drinks during the program and will be entered into a door prize drawing provided by Anchor and Away Travel.