Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Farm Managers Meeting

The Northwest Farm Managers Association has organized its 103rd annual meeting for producers and others interested in agriculture.

The meeting will take place on Feb. 8 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program at 9.

The featured speaker is Jolene Brown from West Branch, Iowa. Brown will provide insights and practical ideas to improve farm family communications. Brown is a farmer, author and award-winning communicator. With humor, she explains the challenges facing parents, siblings and in-laws who work together. She will provide take-home tools to increase productivity and peace of mind. Her presentation is titled "The Top 10 Stupid Things Families Do to Break Up Their Business."

Scott Stofferahn, aide to U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota and former North Dakota Farm Service Agency executive director, will provide an update on federal farm policy. Kathy Neset, Neset Consulting Service, will explain the why, how and potential of North Dakota's oil and gas resources.

State Sen. Larry Luick of North Dakota will explain legislation that streamlined the process of obtaining drainage permits. Virgil Robinson, a market analyst from Des Moines, Iowa, will provide a market outlook and strategies for soybeans, corn and wheat.

The registration fee is $50, payable at the door. The fee includes a noon banquet and breaks. For more information, go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/extension-agribusiness/NWFM or call (701) 231-7393.