Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Conference
January 8-10, 2025
Camden on the Lake Resort
Lake Ozark, MO
Emerging Leaders in Agriculture is a valuable program designed to help young, professional producers manage and grow your business. During this all-expenses-paid event, you and a guest will hear from first-class speakers and agribusiness experts. You will also take part in discussions on issues and challenges facing agriculture, cooperatives and rural America. This conference is an excellent opportunity to provide feedback about the needs and expectations of young producers while gaining valuable, ongoing connections for the future.
We are looking for attendees who:
- Are between the ages of 21 and 45
- Farm as your primary business and are involved in the day-to-day operations
- Derive a minimum of two-thirds of your income from farming
If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to register!
Applications are due by December 11, 2024.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, January 8
| 4:00-5:30 PM | Registration |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Opening Reception & Introductions |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Dinner & Networking |
| 7:30-8:00 PM | Sponsor Introductions Jon Ihler Ernie Verslues |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Agriculture: What’s Happening Today Tyne Morgan Explore the ongoing challenges farmers face, like volatile markets, unpredictable weather, the growing disconnect between the public and American agriculture, and what it will take to shift perceptions in a positive direction. |
Thursday, January 9
| 7:30-8:15 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:15-8:30 AM | Welcome |
| 8:30-9:45 AM | Mastering Farm Finances Ben Brown Examine the key components of farm financial analysis with insights and strategies based on the Farm Financial Standards Council’s recommended ratios for achieving high levels of success in your operation. |
| 9:45-10:00 AM | BREAK |
| 10:00-11:15 AM | Strategic Commodity Marketing Ben Brown Gain a comprehensive understanding of commodity marketing through key topics such as contract options, options markets and developing an effective grain marketing plan. |
| 11:15 AM-12:00 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 12:00-1:15 PM | Why Cooperatives Matter Now Dr. Keri Jacobs Learn how cooperatives play a crucial role in fostering community resilience and equitable growth, especially in today’s economy. |
| 1:15-1:30 PM | BREAK |
| 1:30-2:45 PM | Farm Business Transference Connie Haden Understand farm transitions and key issues in succession planning. |
| 2:45-3:00 PM | BREAK |
| 3:00-4:15 PM | Navigating Carbon Markets Alan Weber Discover how to navigate carbon markets and explore biofuels programs linked to crop management. |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Cocktail Reception & Networking |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Pub-Style Trivia Geeks Who Drink Not good at trivia? Not a problem! This is a team effort. There is something for everyone, and individuals will not be put on the spot. |
Friday, January 10
| 7:15-8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM-12:00 PM | What You Think is What You Get Mitch Majeski Discover how to foster ownership, innovation and high performance by aligning your thinking and speaking. Plus, gain insight into your natural thinking patterns and enhance your leadership with the Working Genius assessment. |
| 12:00 PM | Adjournment |
MFA Oil and MFA Incorporated will cover your two-night hotel stay, scheduled meals and entertainment for you and a guest, as well as mileage to and from your home.