Registration is open for the 2018 Young Ag Leadership Conference
Published
8/3/2018
Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC). This exciting, one-of-a-kind conference is set to take place October 5-7 at the Big Horn Resort in Billings, MT. 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.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with exciting area Ag industry tours! This optional excursion will depart the hotel at 12:30PM and return in time to join the rest of the incoming attendees for the social at 6 PM. Friday evening offers a unique networking opportunity for attendees to participate in pub-style team trivia. Attendees will get to know each other and enjoy a fun atmosphere as they get ready for Saturday’s full schedule of workshops, entrepreneur spotlights, and additional networking opportunities.
During Saturday’s breakfast, Mary Jo Irmen of FiscalBridge, LLC will wake everyone up with her keynote, “How to Use Life Insurance to Fund Your Business.” Participants will then choose from an expanded slate of workshop topics including everything from raising dogs with jobs to using your ag knowledge to testify and how to keep your operation valuable. Saturday’s luncheon will feature an insightful and inspiring talk from Montana FFA Foundation Board Member, Mark Sinnard, which will be followed up with more workshops and the Entrepreneur Spotlights focusing on local ag businesses. We’ll hear about what it took to start a small business from scratch from North40 Ag, Montana Chop Sticks and Swanky Roots.
Saturday will wrap up with a fun luau themed barbeque on the patio of the Big Horn Resort, complete with a local DJ and competitive yard games. The event doesn’t conclude until we hear “Finding Your Voice: How to Find Your Passion and Advocate for Agri Montana Grain Growers Association President, Michelle Jones, Sunday morning.
Anyone aged 18-40 and interested or involved in agriculture is encouraged to attend. The conference is put together by a committee of representatives from each of the following: Montana Wool Growers Association, Montana 4-H Foundation, Montana FFA Foundation, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana State University College of Agriculture, Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni, and the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
The cost of registration is only $50 for the entire conference, with all meals provided. After the pre-registration date of September 25, fees increase to $60. For further information follow the conference on Facebook, @MontanaYALC. To register, go to eventbrite.com and search Young Ag Leadership Conference or contact Rikki Swant at (406) 231-4422 or rikkis@mfbf.org.
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