From Austin to DC Breakfast –TGFA’s DC Insider, Steve Kopperud, Policy Directions, Inc., and noted Austin Lobbyist Ed Small, Jackson Walker, LLP will discuss the impact of the past election on the state and nation’s agribusiness industry and how it will affect you.

Featured Event Speakers:

Steve Kopperud, Policy Directions, Inc. – Washington, DC

Steve Kopperud is senior vice president of Policy Directions Inc., a Washington, DC government affairs company specializing in feed, animal production agriculture, agribusiness, animal health, food, farm policy, trade and ag research/health-related issues.

Mr. Kopperud was senior vice president of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), for nearly 18 years prior to joining Policy Directions. In that position he was responsible for all federal and state government affairs programs for the 700-company association, and was treasurer of AFIA’s Feed Industry Political Action Committee (FIPAC).

As an authority on activist assaults on animal agriculture, Mr. Kopperud has spoken to audiences in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Latin America on threats to food production. He coordinates the Washington, DC-based Farm Animal Welfare Coalition (FAWC), a national coalition of organizations involved in livestock/poultry production.

Mr. Kopperud is founder and former president of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, a national charitable education foundation dedicated to telling the American public the reality of modern livestock and poultry production and its contribution to the quality of life of the average consumer.

Ed Small, Jackson Walker, LLP – Austin

Ed Small has more than 30 years experience representing clients before the Texas Legislature and Texas regulatory agencies, in addition to his litigation practice. Mr. Small has served as counsel to entities and associations with legislative and regulatory issues. He has appeared for clients before the Texas Legislature and State and Federal agencies. His clients include associations and entities seeking solutions to issues affected by State Government. Mr. Small's litigation experience includes water rights, boundary issues, condemnation, oil and gas, and other land related issues.