The Russell Group, a firm specializing in food and agriculture public relations, will present to the 2016 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit about the effects on animal ag under the administrations of the remaining presidential candidates.  The Summit will be themed “Securing Animal Agriculture’s Future: Action, Please!” is being held May 5-6 at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia.

With Super Tuesday behind us, the race to the White House is in full swing. While issues in food and agriculture are seldom brought up at campaign rallies or on debate stages, they are integral to the economy, trade and national security. With candidates dropping out and frontrunners emerging, it’s time to take a critical eye to the presidential hopefuls and how their leadership may impact animal agriculture.

The Russell Group team’s expertise includes animal health, antibiotic stewardship, production agriculture, trade, agricultural research and food safety. The firm was ranked as the 9th top-performing lobbying firm in 2015 by Bloomberg Government and is one of only two firms to make the top performers list for the fourth time in a row.

Tyson Redpath, senior vice president with The Russell Group will present the message.  He is an Ohio native and grew up working at his family’s John Deere dealerships.  He holds a public affairs degree from Indiana University and moved to Washington D.C. after graduation to work for his local Congressman, John Boehner (R-OH).

“Proactive engagement with legislators and government officials is critical for the animal agriculture community to promote understanding the issues facing farmers and ranchers,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “Tyson’s background in agriculture and expertise in government affairs make him a perfect fit for our Summit. His informed forecasts and practical advice will help our attendees take their public policy work to the next level.”

Follow the event using the hashtag #AAA16 and check the Alliance website for up-to-date information.  Early registration is $375 for members, $425 for non members, and $325 for those in government or academia until April 1, 2016.  Registration materials can be found at www.animalagalliance.org/summit.