ISU Beginning Farmers Network Conference Scheduled for Feb. 2

AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State University Beginning Farmers Network will hold its 2013 Beginning Farmers Conference Feb. 2 at the Scheman Building.

"The Beginning Farmers Network is a student-led organization that helps individuals planning to become involved in production agriculture. This conference also is beneficial to those who are established in production agriculture as we have speakers and topics lined up to cover issues pertinent to the 2013 production year," said Brent Drey, a junior in agronomy, who is president of the network.

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. with late registration at 8:30 a.m. It features nine breakout sessions given by professionals in the agriculture industry.

Mike Pearson, host of the Iowa Public Television show Market to Market, will deliver the keynote address.

Breakout sessions will include:

- 2013 Livestock Market Outlook, Lee Shulz, ISU assistant professor of economics and extension livestock economist

- Farm Succession Planning 2013 and Beyond, David Baker, ISU Extension field specialist

- The Farm Bill and What Its Changes Mean for You, John Whittaker, director, Iowa Farm Service Agency

- 2013 Crop Market Outlook, Chad Hart, ISU associate professor of economics and extension grain marketing economist

- Financing Opportunities for Beginning Farmers, Steve Ferguson, director, Iowa Agricultural Development Authority, and Brian Gossling, chief program specialist, Iowa Farm Service Agency

- Farm Business Risk Analysis, William Edwards, ISU professor of economics and extension economist

- Competitive Land Leasing Tactics, Mark Gannon, owner, Gannon Real Estate and Consulting of Ames

Admission is $25 for students and $40 for non-students. Registration after Jan. 25, or at the door, will be $10 more. Lunch is included.

To register, visit https://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/beginningfarmer/home.html or call (515) 294-6222.