Gulke, Hanson Headline Farm Management Program Feb. 13.

Grain markets, farm transition planning, wind lease arrangements, weather outlook for 2008 and federal farm policy will be discussed at the 99th annual meeting on farm management organized by the Northwest Farm Managers Association on Feb 13. The meeting will be held at the Fargo Holiday Inn.

Jerry Gulke, a nationally recognized columnist on grain marketing, will do a presentation on the market outlook and what strategies to use for soybeans, corn and wheat. Ron Hanson, University of Nebraska, who has counseled farm families for 30 years on transition planning, will share an entertaining and motivating message on the importance of family and personal relationships when working together in a family-owned business operation.

Lynn Hamilton, Michigan State University, will explain the economics of wind energy and provide landowners with an overview of lease agreements and how to determine a fair lease rate. Adnan Akyuz, North Dakota state climatologist at North Dakota State University, will give his 2008 weather outlook for the region. The luncheon speaker is Scott Stofferahn, U.S. Senator Kent Conrad’s director for the eastern portion of the state. Stofferahn will update the group on the 2008 farm bill.

The Northwest Farm Managers Association has a history of attracting speakers who are some of the best thinkers in agriculture and providing an atmosphere where producers can learn and exchange ideas,” says Andrew Swenson, NDSU Extension Service farm management specialist.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and is open to producers and others who are interested in agriculture. A registration fee of $40 includes the noon meal and breaks. Call (701) 231-7393 for more information.

NDSU Agriculture Communication