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Breakout Sessions

The AG CONNECT Education Breakout Sessions provide practical information focusing on new technologies, innovations, methods and best practices. The goal is to help you increase productivity and profitability for your operation, as well as address solutions to meet the impending global challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050.

Cost: $20 per session

Friday, January 7

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Sustainability Sustainability (FR10)
Speaker: Lorenz von Schintling-Horny, European Arable Farmer Association, Denmark

Sustainability is a major topic of discussion in agriculture as well as in the general public. The farm business needs to take into consideration its ecological and social impacts, in order to have a steadily running operation for a long period of time. Modern societies require various responsibilities of farmers, such as production of inexpensive, healthy food, protection of nature, consideration of the needs of livestock, and so on. To ensure these responsibilities are met, food trade (and other groups) have developed certification to maintain quality producers and products. In this session, we will discuss how DLG's sustainability certification will create a “quality feature” independently from other groups.
 
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Business Management The Impacts of Risk on Supply Chain Management (FR20)
Speaker: Randall Westgren, McQuinn Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership, University of Missouri

There are substantial risks in supply chain management for agricultural commodity producers and processors. The session will focus on the challenges including using/developing mechanisms that can be used to mitigate the risks in supply chains.
Business Management Implementing an On-Farm Research Program for Your Farm (FR21)
Speaker: Harold F. Reetz, Jr., PhD, CPAg, CCA, Reetz Agronomics, LLC

Every farmer can – and should – have his own research program to test new products and practices under his farm's conditions and under his management. Modern equipment with various monitors, sensors and controllers greatly simplify the process. This workshop will cover the reasons for implementing an on-farm research program, the methodology for setting up plots, collecting data, and analyzing and interpreting the results. Real case-study examples of how farmers and their advisers are using on-farm research in making management decisions will be discussed.


Saturday, January 8

8 - 9 a.m.
Business Management Farm Land Values (SA10)
Speaker: Mike Walsten, Editor, Landowner
Sponsored by: Farm Journal Media

You won't want to miss the state-specific analysis of today's farm land values and cash rent trends provided by Landowner Editor Mike Walsten. His report will help you know what your land is worth – and what you should or shouldn't be paying.
Business Management The Economics of Irrigation Efficiency (SA11)
Speaker: Robert von Bernuth, Vice Chair, Irrigation Association Education Foundation
Sponsored by: The Irrigation Association

An economic analysis of alternatives is essential if maximum profits are to be achieved from irrigation. This session will introduce the basic concepts for comparing systems considering service life, maintenance costs, and the cost of money. Examples will be presented for making decisions not only among systems but design options within systems.
Productivity Is RTK Right for My Operation? (SA12)
Speaker: Matt Darr, Assistant Professor, Iowa State University
Sponsored by: Successful Farming

There has been a lot of chatter lately about RTK and how it can benefit a wide array of farmers. But in fact, it's not suited for all operations. Learn if RTK is right for your operation. Matt Darr will discuss the cost of RTK, equipment needed, if it's better suited for a particular size of grower, area of the country, type of tillage practice and crop. He will also discuss the cost and equipment you will need to implement RTK.
Productivity Balancing Crop Nutrient Needs, Economics and Environmental Concerns (SA13)
Speaker: Harold F. Reetz, Jr., PhD, CPAg, CCA, Reetz Agronomics, LLC

Providing the nutrients required for crop production, managing economic forces to maintain a profit, and minimizing environmental contamination are major goals for crop producers. Sometimes they may seem at odds with one another. The International Plant Nutrition Institute has recently completed a nationwide GIS analysis of crop nutrient use (both fertilizer and manure applied), crop removal for 21 different crops, and geographic distribution of the balance of nutrient use, for each county in the United States. This workshop will demonstrate how these data and other information sources, can be used to guide nutrient management decisions to help meet the three nutrient management objectives listed above.
 
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Business Management Will the 1988 Drought Re-Visit The Corn Belt? (SA20)
Speaker: Bryce Anderson, Senior Agricultural Meteorologist, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Sponsored by: DTN/The Progressive Farmer

It has been well over 20 years since the crippling Midwest Drought of 1988, and some weather cycles indicate that the current drought-free period could end in 2011. DTN ag meteorologist Bryce Anderson will have the latest details on the drought possibilities, as well as other weather and climate trends that will influence the outlook for the 2011 growing season.
Business Management Grain Systems for Today and How to Expand for the Future (SA21)
Speaker: Gary Sorgius, Vice President, Ripco Ltd
Sponsored by: Farm Journal Media
Productivity Smartphone Technology: Unleashing Agriculture (SA22)
Speaker: Neil Mylet, Farmer
Sponsored by: Successful Farming

Smartphones have resulted in a dramatic transformation in the way people interact with those around them. Industries such as Agriculture hold many applications for these small, powerful devices. Neil will discuss various applications and different types of Smartphone features that can help make your business more efficient. He will also discuss where the mobile devices are going in the future, and highlight the top 5 applications for agriculture.
Sustainability How to Transfer Liquid Manure Into Money (SA23)
Speaker: Daniel Mann, Project Manager, MT-Energie, USA, Inc.
Sponsored by: DLG

Digesters are able to provide electricity, coldness or heat which is needed in many farms. Produced methane can be a valuable factor for a decentralized energy supply. In this session we will discuss the latest developments in methane production, and how to integrate new biogas technology in your farm.
 
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Business Management Demand Markets: How the Corn Market was Saved (or not) and What it Means Going Forward (SA30)
Speaker: Darin Newsom, Senior Analyst, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Sponsored by: DTN/The Progressive Farmer

Just when corn was on the brink, renewed demand rode in to save the day and keep it, as well as other markets, from going over the edge. What does this mean long-term? Did the previous downturn in price uncover serious cracks that could ultimately bring ag markets crashing down?
Productivity The Benefits of Center Pivot Irrigation (SA31)
Speakers: Jason Parker, Director of Sales and Marketing, Lindsay Corporation and Jeff Herrick, Director of Parts and Service, Reinke Manufacturing, Inc.
Sponsored by: The Irrigation Association

New technologies in mechanized irrigation allow growers to save energy, time and labor. This session will showcase the advancements in control panels and remote control of irrigation systems and their positive impact on the bottom line of farms around the world. We will also discuss other irrigation best practices that have been effective such as corner systems and tracking options.
Sustainability Is There Money in the Wind? (SA32)
Sponsored by Successful Farming

Wind harvesting can provide landowners with an alternative or supplementary income. Clearly assessing the economic factors is all-important when determining your profit. In this session we will discuss Federal and State incentives, Tax benefits, liability concerns and other obligations to consider before making your investment.


Sunday, January 9

9:30 - 10:30 a.m
Productivity Genetic Product Placement (SU10)
Business Management The Benefits of Drip Irrigation (SU12)
Speaker: Paul McFadden, John Deere Water
Sponsored by: The Irrigation Association

Paul McFadden will discuss proven applications of current drip irrigation technologies and expectations for the future. The benefits and concerns of the adoption, use, maintenance, and disposal of drip irrigation will also be presented along with a formula for success. Learn from 3 real-life case studies where drip irrigation is successfully being used.
 
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Productivity In Field First Aid Training (SU11)
Speaker: Maxine Hines

If you are in the field and have an injury or medical emergency, do you know what to do before the ambulance gets there? The course will cover signs/symptoms and treatment for: heat/cold injuries, lacerations, bleeding/shock, insects/spider bites, snake bites, eye injuries, head injuries, neck injuries, respiratory emergencies, chest and abdominal injuries, broken bones and sprains, amputations, impaled objects, high pressure , hydraulic injuries. This class is fun and educational providing the participant with necessary information to save a life!
 
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Business Management Strategic Options in Turbulent Times (SU20)

The continued uncertainty concerning overall economic/business climate suggest that a strategy that recognizes various scenarios for the future, leverages flexibility and options, and is opportunistic in focus will be critical to success. This session will bring the most recent strategic positioning concepts and tools to the group and illustrate their application to successful farming operations.
Productivity Making Your Farm Wireless (SU21)
Speaker: Clay Mitchell, Farmer, The Mitchell Farm

Making Your Farm Wireless will discuss how a WIFI mesh network can be installed and configured to increase farm productivity. We will discuss hardware requirements, choosing radio locations, maintenance, and other infrastructure issues. We will also discuss how to get the most out of the system by integrating the farm computers and controllers, and making best use of the Internet while in the field.
Productivity No Till (SU22)
Speaker: Dwayne L. Beck, Research Manager, Dakota Lakes Research Farm

There are many factors involved in designing an appropriate no-till system. Among the most important is the rotation to be used. In this session we will discuss what crops to grow and how to sequence them.
Sustainability Efficient Timber Use in Biomass Heating Systems (SU23)
Speaker: Jobst Kühn von Burgsdorff, Biocen GmbH
Sponsored by: DLG

Forests are well managed sustainable resources and most of them are processed to saw timber and pulp. But, there is an increasing demand for alternative energy purposes. In this session we will discuss state-of-the-art heating systems and how to integrate the systems in your operation. Discussion will also cover the costs for implementing and operating a system.


Monday, January 10

8 - 9 a.m
Business Management How Does Your Farm Measure Up? (MO10)
Speaker: Robert Craven, Director, Center for Farm Financial Management and Extension Economist, University of Minnesota

For the past several years we have seen unprecedented volatility in agricultural markets and inputs. We will take a look at trends in profitability, liquidity and solvency by type and size of farm. Who are the losers and winners and why? We will also take a look at trends in crop production and machinery costs. Find out how you compare and how you can benchmark your operation utilizing FINBIN one of the largest public farm databases in the world.
 
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Business Management When Is the Best Time to Buy Your Fertilizer? (MO20)
Speaker: David Asbridge, President, NPK Fertilizer Advisory Service, Inc.

Farmers go through this every year: When should I buy my fall fertilizer? Should I cover my spring fertilizer needs in the fall or wait until spring? Is buying fertilizer in December a good time to buy in addition to the tax breaks it might generate for that year? Come hear an industry professional talk about these topics and get an understanding of what has caused all the recent volatility and see if we are headed for more or has the market stabilized.