The theme for Riverland Community College’s annual Ag Summit, being held today, is “Agriculture Renewed,” a “celebration and coming together of the energy, people and ideas that are moving the college’s Center for Agricultural and Food Science Technology forward,” according to a news release.

The summit is being held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center.

Among the speakers will be Riverland alumnus and Lyle native, Dr. Jerry Nelson, who spent time in North Korea and other global locations, who will give his thoughts on education, agriculture, food policy, government and leadership.

Retired National FFA officer Valerie Earley of Wykoff will talk about her year in office and the importance of youth leadership development.

Also on the program will be Nathan Smit, innovation manager at Hormel Food Corp., and Michael Sparby, senior project strategist for the Ag Utilization Research Institute.

A report on the recent “Growing Acres” conference will be given, and an Ag Summit Panel break-out sessions will also be held.

This year’s Young Farmer Award, presented by Farm Bureau, will also be presented.