What a Record-Setting El Niño Means for Cooperatives and What Lies Ahead

How could changing weather patterns affect your cooperative in the months ahead? In this session, Brian Bledsoe, meteorologist and climatologist, will provide an overview of the long-range and seasonal weather outlook, exploring what the current record-setting El Niño could mean for agricultural, electric, and other cooperatives. From potential impacts on growing conditions and agricultural production to electricity demand and reliability, and day-to-day operations, the discussion will examine how weather patterns can influence cooperatives across industries.

Brian will also look ahead to the anticipated transition from El Niño to La Niña later in 2027, discussing what this shift could mean for seasonal weather patterns and the challenges and opportunities cooperatives may face. Whether your cooperative serves agricultural producers, provides electricity, or operates in another sector, this session will offer valuable perspective on the weather trends to watch in the months ahead.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Brian Bledsoe, Meteorologist/Climatologist, Brian Bledsoe Weather

Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives

After retiring as Tax Director of a regional supply cooperative on the East Coast, Wayne Sine was asked to serve as Education Director for NSAC. As an active and long-term member of NSAC, Wayne previously served as Chair of NSAC’s Tax Committee, President of the Atlantic Chapter, and was a recipient of NSAC’s Silver Bowl Award. In addition to his work with NSAC, Wayne has also served on the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Chaired the Tax Committees for both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association, served on the Tax Policy Committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and served as Region Vice President for Tax Executives Institute.