Investing in natural resources is the focus of the Great Plains Land Expo Nov. 20 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, N.D.

The conference is for all those with an interest in land -- farmers, ranchers, land developers, mineral interest owners, land owners and land investors.

"The knowledge and understanding you will gain at this Expo will make you a better steward of the resources you have and also help you capitalize on opportunities in both ag and energy," says Kevin Pifer, president and CEO of Pifer's Auction & Realty, one of the co-hosts of the Expo.

Agenda

8-9 a.m. -- Registration. Continental Breakfast / Expo booths / Networking

9-9:30 a.m. -- Opening comments / Welcome

Attend the Great Plains Land Expo

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. -- Mark Dotzour, chief economist and director of research for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "Exploring The Economic Outlook for Farmland and Business Decision Makers. Why have land prices increased so dramatically?" Are current price trends sustainable? What is the national outlook for job growth, interest rates and real estate? How will the global investment environment impact farm land values? 

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. -- Break / Networking / Expo Booths open

10:45 – 11:30 a.m. -- Breakout Sessions

11:30 – 11:45 a.m. -- Break / Networking / Expo Booths open 

11:45 a.m. -- Lunch

12 - 1:15 p.m. -- Stephen Barth, P.C., author of "Hospitality Law", attorney and founder of HospitalityLawyer.com, "How Emotional Intelligence Can Help Make Stronger Decisions." Have you ever made a decision based upon fear? Maybe it was the fear of land prices changing or the fear of missing an opportunity? Barth says people need to be aware that it's fear that is driving the decision. Become an expert at recognizing fear, but not let it take control.

1:15 - 1:30 p.m. -- Break / Networking / Expo Booths open

1:30 - 2:45 p.m. -- Tim Ball, environmental consultant, speaker and columnist based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. "Climate Change is Normal; The Untold Perspective." No stranger to controversy, Dr. Ball's views about carbon dioxoide not causing global warming goes against prevailing wisdom, and yet he continues to speak on climate change. "The fact that they've only heard one side of the issue – that's the problem," says Ball.

2:45 - 3:00 p.m. -- Break / Networking / Expo Booths open

3:00 - 3:45 p.m. -- Breakout Sessions

3:45 - 4:00 p.m. -- Break / Networking / Expo Booths open

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. -- Breakout Sessions

Farmland Values from a Lender's Perspective -- Lynn Paulson: Senior VP & Director of Agribusiness Development, Bell State Bank.

Farmland Rent Contracts: Getting Creative to Stay Competitive -- Roger Minch, Serkland Law.

Declining CRP; What It Means for Habitat, Hunting and Access. -- Terry Steinwand, director, North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

4:45 - 5 p.m. -- Closing Remarks.

Registration is $100 per person. For more information or to register see http://greatplainslandexpo.com  or call Pifer's Auction and Realty, 877-700-4099.