The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is hosting its 13th annual Farming for the Future Conference 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames. Registration is free before Jan. 12.

The 2018 conference, themed “Financing Your Livestock Farm,” features a dynamic line-up of speakers who will help livestock farmers better understand the opportunities available to them in livestock production, provide strategies on ways to manage risk, and provide insight on the financing and leasing programs available and how the lending process works. 

There will also be two expert panels: one that will discuss the opportunities available in forming partnerships to raise livestock and the other will answer your questions about financing and the lending process.

Ag financing, lending for new livestock projects
Bruce Vincent, a third-generation logger from Libby, Mont., will kick off the event by providing his thoughts on the importance of farmers engaging with the public to tell their story. He will also share his vision of conservation and environmental stewardship and how it can be applied to Iowa agriculture.

Other industry experts include Angie Treptow with Farm Credit Services of America, who will provide an ag financing outlook; Brian Gossling with the Iowa Farm Service Agency, who will discuss how the lending process works for new livestock projects; Steve Ferguson with the Iowa Finance Authority, who will talk about the beginning farmer loan and tax credit programs; Jayme Ungs with U.S. Bank, who will discuss financing beginning livestock farmers; and Dana Benning with CoBank/Farm Credit Leasing who will talk about lease programs available for new livestock projects.

More young people wanting to get into farming
“The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers received a number of inquiries from livestock farmers this past year — many from young people wanting to get into farming, but weren’t sure where to start or how to secure financing to make their dream of farming a reality,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. 

“We also heard from many well-established livestock farmers looking for assistance to diversify their farms due to low commodity prices and relatively high land costs. This year’s Farming for the Future Conference will provide insight to help all of Iowa’s livestock farmers better understand ways to manage risk and succeed in the long run.” 

Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by Jan. 12. A $20 fee will be charged for registrations after Jan. 12. For more information about the conference and to register, visit supportfarmers.com or call 800-932-2436. Space is limited.

Source: Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers