Registration now open for Montana's Next Generation Conference set for Jan. 31-Feb. 1 in Shelby

From MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Registration is now open for the 2020 Montana’s Next Generation Conference. The conference, which will take place in Shelby Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, will focus on business planning for the farm or ranch and production workshops. 

The conference will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the Coyote Club and Events Center, 137 Main St. Dan Manternach, agriculture economist, will begin the event with a lecture, “The Big Picture in Ag,” to be followed that afternoon with “Financial Management Skills and Business Planning” and “Farming is a Blessing and Not a Punishment.”

Friday will conclude with a trade show and social including a roast beef dinner and time for networking with neighbors, sponsors and industry professionals.

Saturday’s events at Shelby High School will feature industry speakers and professionals offering 36 workshop options covering crops and livestock production, financial management, record keeping, leasing, succession planning and more. Saturday’s workshops will provide pertinent information for both the beginning and experienced producer.

Livestock topics include beef cattle nutrition, fetal programming, livestock marketing, bull selection, animal health, United States Department of Agriculture programs, plants to identify on the ranch, grazing management and more. Crop producers will have opportunities to learn about equipment maintenance and valuing equipment, grain marketing, crop fertility, crop insurance and more. There will also be numerous financial and accounting topics in addition to one workshop room devoted to succession planning topics.

The Feb. 1 workshops will fulfill the Farm Service Agency’s production and financial management training requirements for producers. Pesticide applicator points will be available throughout the day.

Online registration is available at ticketriver.com or registration forms are available on the conference website at mtnextgen.com or by calling 406-873-2239. Updates will be available via the Montana’s Next Generation Conference Facebook page at facebook.com/Montanasnextgeneration/.

Early bird registration is $25/day for individuals or $40/day for couples if registrations are submitted by Jan. 17. Late registrations will be accepted until Jan. 24 at $30/day for individuals or $50/day for couples. Daycare will be available for both days at $15/child, which includes snacks and meals.

The conference is hosted by Montana State University Extension, Glacier and Toole County Farm Service Agency, Marias River Livestock Association, NACDC Financial Services and the Front Range Counties Farm Bureau.

For more information, visit mtnextgen.com or contact Lacy Roberts at 406-873-5618 or Kari Lewis at 406-873-2239.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this event should contact Roberts at 406-873-5618, ext. 2, or the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 by Jan. 21.