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MGGA Annual Convention begins Dec. 1Montana Join Montana producers and agri-business partners at the 54th Annual Montana Grain Growers Association Convention and Trade Show at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls, on Dec. 1 to 3. Today, producers are wise to try and stay abreast of the latest in farm technology and programs and many find themselves asking questions, searching for someone to shed light on the issues. With time still one of the farmer's most precious commodities, MGGA strives to provide answers and knowledge to agricultural issues in just one place--the MGGA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Our ongoing convention goal is to educate attendees, and this year is no exception, beginning with Dec. 1 pre-convention workshops. After last year's request for more information on the fertilizer markets, Mosaic Company's Molly Ward, premium products manager, will give her insights into fertilizer supplies and demands worldwide. Following lunch, Jolene Brown, one of agriculture's premier professional speakers who brings humor, hope and helpful ideas to the podium, will conduct a workshop designed to improve family business communication skills. Her message is equally relevant for family conversations dealing with the day to day business operation or when the discussion evolves into the more delicate areas of family business transition and estates. The Dec. 2 morning opening session features top USDA officials Dave White, NRCS Chief and former Montana State Conservationist, and Brandon Willis, Farm Service Agency Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs and former Baucus staffer. Their valuable insight will help growers navigate through new and often complex farm programs. On Dec. 2, Northern Ag Network live broadcast lunch is sponsored by the crop insurance industry and includes invited guests Senator Max Baucus and Senator Jon Tester. The afternoon session Dec. 2 begins with Dr. Jill Clapperton, rhizosphere ecologist, principal of Earthspirit Land Resource Consulting and an affiliate associate professor in the Land Resource Sciences at MSU, who will promote an understanding of how soil biology and ecology interact with cropping and soil management systems to facilitate long-term soil quality and productivity. Pro Producer Education sessions begin in the afternoon Dec. 2 with presentations on oil leasing and pipeline easement considerations from Herb Vasseur, Montana Land and Mineral Owners Association President; and wind energy lease contract issues from Sarah Hamlen, Economic Development Coordinator with MSU Extension. BNSF's Kevin Kaufman will discuss grain markets for 2010 including who will want your crop and when they will want it and transportation costs, prices, supply and demand. MSU Professor Dr. Bill Dyer will talk about the growing problem of weed herbicide resistance and what we as an industry should be doing to reduce the risk of additional resistance issues in the future. Amy Bamber, Ground Water and Special Registration Program Manager with the Montana Department of Agriculture, will provide an IR-4 minor crops pesticide registration introductory session and discuss the importance of this system for minor crops planted in Montana. The evening's Trade Show Reception and Wheat Advocate Auction is a chance to relax and have some fun with other attendees and trade show exhibitors while supporting MGGA's state and national policy efforts. The Dec. 3 keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist, who will speak on the global economic impact and its effect on Montana grain producers. The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee Program follows with Dave Shelton, Wheat Marketing Center, and Brian Sorenson, Northern Crops Institute, and their presentation titled "Beyond the Dough--From Contracts to Noodles." ProProducer sessions on Dec. 3 include J.C. Hoyt, Cash Grain Bids, with an introduction to electronic commodity trading and Ron Ueland and Dale Clark, Westbred, who will discuss the changes within their company and the future of biotechnology in wheat. Afternoon sessions include succession planning for young producers from Paul Nelson, NW Farm Credit Services; recent developments in sawfly research from Dr. David Weaver, MSU entomologist; and price forecasting, variability and price risk management from Dr. Gary Brester, MSU ag economist. KMON radio will broadcast live during lunch Dec. 3 which includes invited guest Congressman Denny Rehberg and NAWG Past President David Cleavinger. The convention concludes with the President's Banquet Dec. 3. Most importantly, this is the time of year when MGGA membership comes together to make policy decisions for the coming year, beginning with committee meetings Dec. 2 and finishing with a general resolutions session on Dec. 3. All members are encouraged to participate in these critical business sessions. And don't forget the trade show that runs throughout the convention and features 60 exhibitor booths from ag industry professionals. This is a great opportunity to visit with exhibitors and sponsors about what they have to offer your business and to thank them for their ongoing support of MGGA. Check out the entire convention agenda online and make plans now to attend this year's event.
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