Agriculture & Rural Executive Conference
In its first year, the Agriculture & Rural Executive Conference brought together alumni of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program. Taking place March 11 in the SMSU Conference Center, this day-long gathering is designed to discuss topics relevant to today’s businesses and renew connections.
The conference started with a panel discussion on off-farm enterprises and rural development. Throughout the day, various presentations were given.
Marv Siekman of AgStar Financial Services discussed key drivers in sustaining success for decades to come and Cheryl Glaeser of Southwest Initiative Foundation talked about the impact of off-farm development in rural communities. Dale Wahlstrom, CEO of Bio Business Alliance of Minnesota, Olga Selifonova, CEO of Reluceo, Inc., and Jim Millis, CTO of BioAmber, discussed opportunities for renewable biochemistry.
MARL is a two-year program for active agricultural leaders in Minnesota to increase their skills. Profits from the day’s conference will support the MARL program.
Farm Outlook Seminar
Celebrating 30 years, the Farm Outlook Seminar occurred March 12 in the SMSU Conference Center. The purpose of the event is to bring agricultural interests, including local farmers, banks, and agribusinesses, together to talk about market conditions for the coming year.
The Farm Outlook Seminar addressed crop outlook, weather, livestock strategies and market forecasting for the upcoming farm season. Three expert presenters spoke throughout the day.
Dr. Vince Malanga, CEO of LaSalle Economics, Inc. addressed the attendees about the overall economic outlook. Jerry Gulke of the Gulke Group discussed the fundamental commodity outlook. Roger Wallace of Elkhorn Valley Feedyard Services spoke on the outlook of the livestock industry.
In addition to preparing agricultural interests for the upcoming season, the Farm Outlook Seminar raises scholarship funds for agriculture-related majors. This year’s seminar raised nearly $15,000.
The two agriculture conferences SMSU hosted help improve the success of those in the agricultural field.
“It shows the university is in full support of agricultural interests,” said Dr. Gerald Toland, professor of economics and agriculture.
