Tools for the future: Crop Fair Feb. 12 in Mason City provides essential management tips

A local Crop Fair featuring an array of speakers and exhibits,  will help area growers deal with volatility in agriculture, according to event organizers with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB).

The Feb. 12 “Tools for the future” Crop Fair, set for North Iowa Area Community College, Muse-Norris Conference Center, 500 College Drive in Mason City, will feature speakers on key topics of interest to farmers, include informative displays, and allow participants to interact with local and state experts in agriculture. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The program gets underway at 9 a.m., with a complimentary noon lunch. The program will conclude around 1 p.m.

Featured presentations include:

• Crop Market Outlook by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension & Outreach Farm and Ag Business Management Specialist, Kelvin Leibold
• Environmental Update: Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Water Quality Initiative, and Soil Health Partnership by Iowa Corn Sustainable Program Manager, Ben Gleason
• Farm Transitions and Succession Planning by Iowa Concern Hotline Attorney, John Baker
• Iowa Corn Checkoff Overview by Iowa Corn staff.

“With market volatility, weather challenges, and the need to stay up-to-date on what’s new in ag technology, we invite Iowa Corn farmers to attend this Crop Fair to glean the latest information to help manage their farming operation,” said ICGA/ICPB District Field Manager Jessi Hermsen.

Crop fair sponsors include: Golden Grain Energy, Viafield, Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

Pre-registration by Feb. 5 is encouraged. For details and to pre-register contact Chris Menke at Viafield, 641-715-1203 or Curt Strong at Golden Grain Energy, 641-423-8500.

For a complete list of the 2015 Tools for the future: Crop Fair series Iowa Corn coordinates and sponsors across the state, visit iowacorn.org/events.

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The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 8,000 farmer members.  Both organizations work on the joint mission to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. For more information, visit iowacorn.org.

For More Information:

Jessi Hermsen
District Field Manager
Iowa Corn Growers Association
563-608-1837
jhermsen@iowacorn.org