YOUNG AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

October 7-9, 2011  ♦  Yogo Inn  ♦   Lewistown

Registration is now open for the Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC), set to take place October 7-9 at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown. The YALC is a collaborative effort between nine of Montana’s agricultural organizations, offering attendees a chance to discuss current ag issues, take part in various workshops, meet with industry leaders and network with fellow young people who live Montana agriculture.

Anyone aged 18-40 and interested or involved in any facet of agriculture is encouraged to attend. This year’s conference added two new host organizations to its planning team, Montana Farmers Union and Montana Agri-Women. These groups are in addition to those on board from past years: Montana Cattlemen’s Association, Montana 4-H Foundation, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana FFA Foundation, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana State University College of Agriculture, and the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Registration will open at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 7 and then dinner and a poker run will kick off the weekend’s festivities. The YALC committee has provided a new take on the workshops and discussion groups, which take up the majority of Saturday’s agenda. Participants can choose between eight various workshop topics and two discussion group themes. Whether the crop of choice is cattle or grain, sheep or peas, there is something for everyone at this year’s conference. Curt Pate’s workshop on effective livestock handling and Dr. John Paterson’s talk on mineral programs will appease those interested in livestock while those more farming-minded can learn about the latest technology in precision farming and how pulse crops are taking shape throughout Montana. Generalized workshops include leadership development, a tell-all panel on government programs for young producers and much more. National speaker Bob Wendover will offer both workshops and a keynote on how to work effectively with family members of different generations. Discussion group topics will include “The Image of Ag in Montana” and “Agriculture through the Generations” and will see participants being offered a more pivotal role than in years past. Dinner and a never-before-been-done event will round out Saturday’s schedule. To top off the weekend, attendees will get to laugh with Scott Vernon of “I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul”, a program geared toward the advocacy of young people in today’s agriculture. You don’t want to miss this!

Cost of registration for the YALC is only $25, with all meals provided. After the pre-registration date of September 30, fees increase to $35.

To register for YALC click here

For more information contact Mariah Shammel at (406) 462-5639 or mariahbaumann@hotmail.com

Click here to view or download a printable registration form including the agenda