Be a part of Governor's Ag Conference

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I want to share a preview of what you can expect at the 2010 Governor's Ag Conference. The 22nd annual conference will be held March 3- 4 in Kearney. The theme of the event is "Nebraska Agriculture: Your Industry. Your Story. Your Future."

This year, we want to focus on helping our producers tell their stories and find new and better ways to promote their products. An important part of the work the Nebraska Department of Agriculture does year-round is to help growers and producers market their products.

Topics at this year's event will range from how small, specialty producers can grow their customer base to the current efforts branding Nebraska products in the international marketplace, and how the national economic picture might impact the agriculture industry in the year ahead.

Activities begin on Wednesday evening, March 3 with the Celebrate Nebraska Agriculture Reception, which features foods that are produced by Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

The conference begins Thursday morning with presentations on topics impacting Nebraska farms and ranches. The economy is a topic on the minds of many producers and agribusiness leaders hoping for a stronger national economy in 2010. Jason Henderson, representing the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will discuss current economic conditions and share future economic projections.

We will be joined by University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken who will share with us the university's agricultural research and other ways the university contributes to Nebraska's agriculture industry. President Milliken and I work together on many issues and I'm pleased he will be part of this year's conference.

Other presentations include a panel about opportunities for Nebraska producers to tell their stories. Speakers include Stan Garbacz, Foreign Trade Representative for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Cheryl Stubbendieck of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Terry Landes with Prairieland Dairy in Firth. Marketing to customers in new ways presents new opportunities for every segment of our agriculture industry and helps build the brand of Nebraska agriculture at home and around the world.

Additionally, the Governor's Ag Conference is an opportunity each year to hear about emerging issues in the industry. This event is one of the ways we are able to highlight new opportunities in this increasingly diverse industry in the areas of trade, developing and marketing new products, and exploring new opportunities for partnerships.

Agriculture continues to change and evolve, but it also continues to be an essential part of our State. Continuing the annual tradition of the Governor's Ag Conference is one way to help ensure this industry remains strong in the future.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in agriculture issues. A $75 registration fee covers attendance at the conference and the Wednesday reception. Registration information is available on the Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.ne.gov, or by calling toll-free at (800) 831-0550.

The Governor's Ag Conference always presents attendees with valuable information on issues facing the various sectors of our agriculture industry. Most importantly, it is a forum for networking and sharing ideas. I hope a wide range of producers, along with rural development and agribusiness leaders, will consider being part of this year's conference.