Ohio State expert to discuss future of Midwest grain market

The Ohio State Marion campus is set to host a community lecture titled “Agriculture Trade & Policy: The Outlook for Midwest Grain Markets” on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. The event, part of the Buckeye Talks on Tap lecture series, will be held at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen within Passenger & Rail Co.

Ian Sheldon, an esteemed Ohio State professor and the Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy, will be the featured speaker for the evening. According to a community announcement, Sheldon will delve into the repercussions of U.S. tariffs on the grain and oilseeds sector in the Midwest. Particularly, he will shed light on how China’s retaliatory measures have significantly impacted farm exports, specifically focusing on soybeans, and how farmers are grappling with escalated input costs.

The discussion will further explore the potential for exports beyond China and stress the importance of maintaining robust trade relationships with Mexico and Canada. Notably, with the forthcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), the significance of trade partnerships in the region cannot be understated.

Ian Sheldon’s research focuses predominantly on international trade and policy. His recent endeavors have included in-depth analyses of the interplay between trade and environmental policies, examining the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on international trade flows, and assessing the implications of policy decisions on ethanol trade.

Moreover, Sheldon is currently engaged in an investigation of pertinent issues such as carbon tariffs and the influence of intellectual property rights on U.S. seed exports. Noteworthy achievements include his tenure as chair of the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium and his editorial role in “Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy” from 2010 to 2013.

In recognition of his contributions, Ian Sheldon was elected a fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association in 2019. Serving as the Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy at Ohio State, he spearheads research initiatives and outreach efforts in the realms of international trade and public policy.

The Buckeye Talks on Tap lecture series is open to the public and completely free of charge. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the lecture commencing at 5:30 p.m., followed by a brief question and answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a door prize drawing courtesy of Marcie DeWitt of Anchor and Away Travel. Additionally, guests may opt to purchase dinner or drinks during the event.

For those interested, Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen within Passenger & Rail Co. is conveniently situated at 320 W. Center St. in Marion.