2023 Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Conference
January 11-13, 2023
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 applicants 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 apply today!
Applications are due by October 31, 2022. Participants will be selected and notified by November 15. Preference will be given to first-time attendees.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, January 11 Schedule
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Registration |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Opening Reception & Introductions |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-8:20 PM | The Business of Agriculture Damian Mason Intelligent, provocative commentary on current issues impacting the business of food, fuel, and fiber, delivered in a humorous, interactive, high-energy manner. |
Thursday, January 12 Schedule
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00-8:15 AM | Welcome |
| 8:15-9:30 AM | Farming in the Age of Consumer Preference Mike Way How winning farmers adapt to meet consumer demands. |
| 9:30-9:45 AM | BREAK |
| 9:45-11:15 AM | Best Practices for the Farmer of the Future David Parker A discussion of the management techniques farmers need to hone to gain a competitive advantage in the future. |
| 11:15-12:00 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 12:00-1:15 PM | Sustainable Farming Adam Jones & Dr. Jason Weirich Balancing sustainability with your farm’s goals. |
| 1:15-1:30 PM | BREAK |
| 1:30-4:00 PM | Farm Business Transference Connie Haden Understanding farm transitions and key issues in succession planning. |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Cocktail Reception & Networking |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Evening Entertainment Keith Alberstadt Comedy inspired by family, marriage, and the idiosyncrasies in life that often go unnoticed. |
Friday, January 13 Schedule
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00-10:45 AM | Leadership at the Farm Gate David Parker Learn how to develop a personalized leadership plan for your farm and the skills needed to lead a successful 21st-century farming operation. |
| 10:45-11:00 AM | BREAK |
| 11:00-12:00 PM | Leadership Panel & Cooperative Benefits Talk with the CEOs and Board Chairmen of MFA Inc. and MFA Oil and Dr. Keri Jacobs and learn the upside of doing business with a cooperative. |
| 12:00 PM | Adjourn |
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.