The fourth annual North Dakota Livestock Summit will be focusing on growth and development of the animal agriculture industry within the state. The event will be Feb. 8 at the Doubletree Hilton in Fargo.

“This summit is a great way to get information and resources to producers who are interested in diversifying their farms with livestock, whether that is expanding existing operations or diversifying crop operations,” says Amber Boeshans, executive director of the North Dakota Livestock Alliance.

NDLA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that is committed to providing assistance to farmers, ranchers and communities in developing and expanding the livestock industry. The summit is just one way that NDLA reaches communities and farmers with the benefits of livestock development.

A panel discussion on using livestock to secure your farm’s legacy, and informative breakout sessions and speakers fill out the rest of the day’s schedule.

“We have a great lineup of speakers, breakout sessions and networking set for the summit again this year,” Boeshans says. In addition to the speakers and sessions, the summit also features a full trade show.

This year’s summit will also feature many opportunities to learn how hogs can benefit your farm, as North Dakota has a unique opportunity for this species.

“Unlike other states with dense pig populations, North Dakota has the unique ability to place hog barns in areas isolated from other pigs,” she says. “This significant space between pig barns is vital to animal well-being by preventing the sharing of pig illnesses between barns.”

South Dakota has seen continued growth in its livestock sector in recent years, and many hope that North Dakota will follow suit and grow its animal agriculture. The summit’s keynote speaker is slated to share how this success can be replicated in the North Dakota.

“We’re very excited for our keynote speaker, Nathan Sanderson, and his message on how his work in South Dakota helped to grow their state’s livestock industry,” Boeshans says.

Sanderson is the executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association and has done extensive work in developing livestock industries.

Free registration and a full agenda can be found at ndlivestock.org.