Nebraska Farm Bureau : NFBF Ag Edge Conference Focuses on Farm Technology, Ag Markets, Policy Issues and More

LINCOLN, NE - Nebraska farmers and ranchers can't control the weather, but there are areas where decision making can dramatically affect their operation's profitability in 2016 and beyond. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation's 2016 Ag Edge Conference will bring both local and national experts to the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Feb. 8-9, to 'give farmers and ranchers a competitive edge today for success tomorrow,' according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.

'Managing risk in agriculture operations is key to protecting the bottom line for farmers and ranchers. The weather, global markets, new technologies and politics all impact agriculture and volatility in the marketplace. The focus of this conference is to give attendees information and tools to help manage these issues,' said Nelson.

National speakers headlining the conference include Dr. Matt Roberts, a commodity broker turned professor at Ohio State University. His talk entitled 'The Six Hats of a Farmer,' will focus on the six businesses that comprise a modern grain farm: agronomist, grain elevator, custom machinery operator, land speculator, futures speculator and capital allocator.

'It is important for farmers to focus on the changes they can make to their business to help ensure that their farm is successful in the 21st century,' Nelson said.

Nebraska farmers are also facing many decisions related to drone use, water and managing farm and ranch finances; this conference will address these topics. The Ag Edge conference will also feature local experts like Nebraska state climatologist, Al Dutcher from the University of Nebraska, who will talk about weather patterns during the 2016 growing season. Dr. Suat Irmak, who will talk about the Ag Water Management Network through the University of Nebraska, and two more from Natural Resources Districts will share activities related to integrated ground and surface water management. In addition, conference attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation staff on key state and national legislative and regulatory initiatives in the new session of the state Legislature and in Congress.

'This conference is targeted to farmers and ranchers, but anyone involved in any facet of Nebraska agriculture will find value from attending,' said Nelson.

The Ag Edge Conference registration is $100 per person for both days for Farm Bureau members, which includes a special members-only reception with Nebraska's elected officials. For non-members the two-day conference registration is $130 per person. For more information or to register for the conference visit www.nefb.org or contact Whittney Kelley at 402-421-4760 or via email at [e-mail].

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service and advocacy efforts. More than 61,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska's economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.