Saturday, January 18, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Meredith Nunnikhoven, Barnswallow Flowers
Heath & Shea Greiner, Apple Blossom Farms
Ryan Steinfeldt (Facilitator), Director of Field Service, IFBF
Join a panel of forward-thinking farmers who have successfully expanded their operations by creating and selling value-added products. They will discuss their journeys, from initial concept to market launch, and share insights on overcoming challenges, marketing strategies, and maintaining product quality. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to explore value-added opportunities in their own farming businesses.
Nicki Howell, Agricultural Development Program Specialist, Iowa Finance Authority
This session will guide Iowa farmers through the various loan programs available to help them start and grow their farming operations. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for securing funding. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to access financial resources to support their farming goals.
This session will cover Iowa’s soil and water conservation policies, the assistance programs available to farmers and landowners, and the progress being made in conservation efforts.
Dig into techniques for finishing cattle to ensure optimal growth and market readiness. This session will provide insights into nutrition, health management, and economic strategies to maximize your cattle’s performance and profitability.
Elevate your canning and preservation skills in this session designed for seasoned enthusiasts. Delve into sophisticated methods for safely preserving your homegrown produce, including pressure canning, fermentation, and dehydration. Engage in an in-depth Q&A session to troubleshoot challenges and refine your craft. Leave empowered with the knowledge to transform your garden's bounty into culinary masterpieces year-round.
Kevin Kuhle, State Policy Advisor, IFBF
In this session, hear how the policy Iowa Farm Bureau members put into motion influences the broader farming community. Participants will gain insights into the key policy areas our members have prioritized through the policy development process.
Elevate your understanding of agricultural market dynamics with this advanced session. Dr. Hart will provide in-depth analysis of long-term trends, geopolitical influences, and advanced economic models. This session will equip you with the tools to make informed decisions and strategically position your agricultural enterprise for sustained success in an ever-evolving market landscape.
Justin Septer, Regional Vice President, Farm Credit Services of America
Vance Glaser, CPA, Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Tax Director, Principal, LattaHarris
Jason Haglund, Haglund Consulting, LLC, Co-Owner Rural Policy Partners
Amanda Van Steenwyk (Facilitator), Farm Business Development Manager, IFBF
This session will bring together a panel of experts to discuss the critical aspects of farm succession planning. Panelists will share insights on legal, financial, and operational strategies to ensure a smooth transition of farm ownership and management to the next generation. Attendees will gain practical advice and tools to navigate the complexities of succession planning and secure the future of their farms.
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1. Adding Value: Farmers Share their Success Stories with Value-Added Products (Repeated)
Sara Holton, Holton HomesteadMeredith Nunnikhoven, Barnswallow Flowers
Heath & Shea Greiner, Apple Blossom Farms
Ryan Steinfeldt (Facilitator), Director of Field Service, IFBF
Join a panel of forward-thinking farmers who have successfully expanded their operations by creating and selling value-added products. They will discuss their journeys, from initial concept to market launch, and share insights on overcoming challenges, marketing strategies, and maintaining product quality. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to explore value-added opportunities in their own farming businesses.
2. Beginning Farmer Loans Program
Tammy Nebola, Agricultural Development Program Specialist, Iowa Finance AuthorityNicki Howell, Agricultural Development Program Specialist, Iowa Finance Authority
This session will guide Iowa farmers through the various loan programs available to help them start and grow their farming operations. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for securing funding. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to access financial resources to support their farming goals.
3. Conservation in Iowa – Policy, Programs, and Progress
Shawn Richmond, Conservation and Natural Resources Policy Advisor, IFBFThis session will cover Iowa’s soil and water conservation policies, the assistance programs available to farmers and landowners, and the progress being made in conservation efforts.
4. Finishing Strong: Cattle Management Technique
Dan Thomson, PhD, DVM, Veterinarian, Production Animal ConsultationDig into techniques for finishing cattle to ensure optimal growth and market readiness. This session will provide insights into nutrition, health management, and economic strategies to maximize your cattle’s performance and profitability.
5. Mastery of Preserving: Learning to preserve in a way that helps you become less dependent on the grocery store
RuthAnn Zimmerman, Homesteading with the ZimmermansElevate your canning and preservation skills in this session designed for seasoned enthusiasts. Delve into sophisticated methods for safely preserving your homegrown produce, including pressure canning, fermentation, and dehydration. Engage in an in-depth Q&A session to troubleshoot challenges and refine your craft. Leave empowered with the knowledge to transform your garden's bounty into culinary masterpieces year-round.
6. Policy Perspectives: The Impact of a Grassroots Process
Matt Gronewald, State Policy Advisor, IFBFKevin Kuhle, State Policy Advisor, IFBF
In this session, hear how the policy Iowa Farm Bureau members put into motion influences the broader farming community. Participants will gain insights into the key policy areas our members have prioritized through the policy development process.
7. Strategic Ag Market Forecasting and Risk Management
Chad Hart, Department of Economics Professor, Iowa State UniversityElevate your understanding of agricultural market dynamics with this advanced session. Dr. Hart will provide in-depth analysis of long-term trends, geopolitical influences, and advanced economic models. This session will equip you with the tools to make informed decisions and strategically position your agricultural enterprise for sustained success in an ever-evolving market landscape.
8. Your Farm Succession Questions: Asked and Answered
Erin Herbold-Swalwell, Senior Counsel Advanced Markets, IFBF & FBFSJustin Septer, Regional Vice President, Farm Credit Services of America
Vance Glaser, CPA, Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Tax Director, Principal, LattaHarris
Jason Haglund, Haglund Consulting, LLC, Co-Owner Rural Policy Partners
Amanda Van Steenwyk (Facilitator), Farm Business Development Manager, IFBF
This session will bring together a panel of experts to discuss the critical aspects of farm succession planning. Panelists will share insights on legal, financial, and operational strategies to ensure a smooth transition of farm ownership and management to the next generation. Attendees will gain practical advice and tools to navigate the complexities of succession planning and secure the future of their farms.
Return to the agenda