The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) is hosting its 11th annual Farming for the Future Conference January 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames. Register before January 15 and there is no charge to attend.

This year's conference, themed "Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm," has a dynamic line-up of speakers who will help new and beginning livestock farmers understand the financial programs available to them, provide tips on securing the right lender, provide insight on how to develop a business plan and build an advisory team, and provide considerations for transitioning back to the family farm.

BEGINNING FARMERS: Plan to attend the 11th annual Farming for the Future conference January 21, 2016 at Ames. This year's theme is "Bringing the Next Generation Back to the Farm. The conference is free if you register before January 15.

How to help next generation get started in farming
Mike Pearson, host of the "Market to Market" television show each week on Iowa Public Television, will begin the 2016 event by providing an outlook for farm markets and the global trends impacting these markets and offer strategies for long-term success on the farm. Other experts include Dave Baker with the Iowa State University Beginning Farmer Center, who will offer insight into ways to transition back to the family farm; and Brian Gossling with the USDA's Farm Service Agency in Iowa, who will explain how the lending process works for new livestock projects.

Also on the program are Steve Ferguson with the Iowa Finance Authority, who will talk about the Beginning Farm Loan Program; Jayme Ungs with U.S. Bank, who will explain what to look for in a lender and what lenders look for in a client; and Amanda Van Steenwyk with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation who will discuss business plan development and how to successfully build your advisory team.

Many young people want to enter farming as a career
"The Coalition received a record number of inquiries from livestock farmers over the past year, many from young people wanting to get into farming, but they weren't sure what opportunity was right for them or how to secure financing to make their dream of farming a reality," says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. "This year's Farming for the Future Conference will provide insight to help Iowa's new and beginning livestock farmers understand the programs available to them and how to succeed in farming in the long-run."

 Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by January 15. A $20 fee will be charged for registrations after January 15. For more information about this year's conference and to register, visit supportfarmers.com/conference or call 800-932-2436. Space is limited.

The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It's a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association. The nonprofit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the coalition at 800-932-2436.