MARSHALL -- The 34th annual Farm Outlook and Education Seminar will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14, in the conference center ballroom at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall. The seminar is a scholarship fundraiser for students in SMSU’s agriculture programs.
Three speakers with broad agriculture backgrounds will highlight the event. They will share their expertise on a number of ag topics, including agronomics and economics; analysis of current grain and livestock market conditions; and strengthening relationships with ag lenders.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a welcome and introductions at 9 a.m. Ticket prices include a prime rib lunch. Pre-registration deadline is Feb. 12. The preferred method of registration is online: SMSUFoundation.org/farmoutlook2018. Registration can also be mailed to: SMSU Foundation, 1501 State St., Marshall, MN, 56258.
Speakers include:
* Jim Emter, CEO of Van Ahn and Company, Inc. The company assists producers with risk management techniques, working to help commercial operations, producers and end users establish sound, detailed marketing plans.
* Ken Franzky, Centrol Crop Consulting's agronomy services manager of Minnesota and South Dakota. He has extensive experience as a crop management specialist, account manager and agronomy service manager with a number of major agricultural companies, including Syngenta and DuPont-Pioneer.
* Paul Lanoue is the Dean of Agriculture & Business at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. He grew up on a farm near Tracy, where he developed a passion for agriculture and education. Lanoue and his team of instructors work with farmers to help achieve their financial and personal goals to leave a legacy on their farm. He also produces crops and cattle with his family south of Marshall and is pursuing his master’s degree at SMSU.