Montana's Next Generation agricultural conference is set for Jan. 30 and 31 in Shelby

Special to the Daily News

The deadline is fast approaching to register for Montana’s Next Generation Conference, Jan. 30 and 31, in Shelby.

Hosted by the Glacier and Toole County Farm Service Agency, local MSU Extension, Marias River Livestock Association and the Front Range Counties Farm Bureau, this comprehensive conference of succession planning and production workshops is geared to provide a range of usable information.

Events kick off Friday, Jan. 30, at 9 a.m. at the Shelby Civic Center with Kevin Spafford of Legacy by Design LLC. Spafford will lead participants through beginning succession planning in the morning, and then move to an advanced session in the afternoon to build upon the morning session’s foundation or for those who attended last year.

Sessions will include hands-on activities for all generations as they learn how to make a successful transition of the farming or ranching operation.

Friday evening will include a no-host social and trade show, a roast beef dinner and a keynote address from Sandra Hare, “Understanding the Personalities of the Generations.”

The evening will conclude with bluegrass, country, and folk music entertainment by the talented Halladay Quist.

Saturday’s events feature an outstanding lineup of industry speakers and professionals offering a total of 36 workshops throughout the day, with a portion of workshops aimed each towards beginning producers and for those more experienced.

Crop topics will include crop insurance, crop scouting, strategic fertilizer and chemical programs, Precision Ag, 2014 Farm Bill, CSP and EQUIP for farmers, grain marketing and seed updates.

Livestock related topics will feature presentations on beef cattle nutrition, livestock marketing, animal health topics, genetics and bull selection, forage management, reproductive success in the beef cowherd, Financial and management related topics will focus on financial record-keeping, tax code updates, life insurance, workers’ compensation, lease options, farm insurance policies, payroll taxes and employee accounting, and entity structure and tax implications.

One highlight from Galusha, Higgins and Galusha will include a mock IRS audit of a farm or ranch operation, which in the process will cover the new tax extender rules, depreciation rules for year-end purchases, new repair expense rules, commodity wage parameters, such as in-kind exchanges and other tax update and tax savings strategies.  

Saturday’s workshops will fulfill FSA’s production and financial management training requirements for producers and four commercial/private pesticide applicator points will be available throughout the day.

Discounted motel rates of $75 per night are available at the Best Western Shelby Inn & Suites 406-424-4560 or the Comfort Inn 406-434-2212 at $70/night for a single room or $75/night for a double room if booked in advance of the conference.

People with questions can contact Lacy Roberts at 406-873-5618 or Kari Lewis at 406-873-2239.