|
|
Meeting will focus on rural development, engaging the next generationKansas Rural development and how to engage the next generation in farming, ranching, and rural communities will be the topic for the keynote speaker at a special presentation during the Kansas Rural Center's summer board meeting on Aug. 28. Weldon Sleight, Ph.D., dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis, Neb., will be the afternoon speaker starting at 1:30 p.m. at Red Rock Guest Ranch near Soldier, Kan. Sleight will also speak at 7 p.m. the same night at Red Rock Guest Ranch focusing his second presentation of the day on Beef Cattle Profitability, Production and Management from research at the University of Nebraska's Research and Extension's Sandhills Laboratory. He will also share his experiences and ideas on bringing the next generation into farming and ranching during that presentation. Sleight has been instrumental in bringing entrepreneurship into the curriculum at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, a part of the University of Nebraska, with the development of the "100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Program," "100 Acre Farm Program," and the NCTA Business Builder Program. Each of these programs is designed to provide NCTA students with an early entry into agriculture or business enterprise as a partner/owner that will lead to eventual ranch, farm or rural business ownership. For example, The "100 Cow Herd Upon Graduation Program" combines several existing beginning farmer programs with training programs at the college, and aims to give graduates an opportunity to build enough income so they can eventually take over or start a farm or ranch, as well as build cattle numbers in the state. "My passion," states Sleight, "is to help communities engage their youth before they leave for college or other endeavors with the intent that they return home to be partners/employees in farms, ranches, and rural mainstreet businesses." Sleight's afternoon presentation will follow the Kansas Rural Center board's morning business meeting. Both the 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. presentations are open to the public and should be of special interest to rural and economic development officials, FFA sponsors, and anyone interested in revitalizing rural communities through investing in our agricultural base. Supper reservations can also be made for a 6 p.m. supper prior to the evening presentation for $10 per person. Contact KRC at 785-873-3431 or ddysart@rainbowtel.net for more information on supper reservations. Also, check KRC's website at www.kansasruralcenter.org for updates. Directions to Red Rock Guest Ranch at 4340 270th Road, Soldier, Ks.: Follow Highway 16 west from Holton 12 miles to Highway 62. Turn north and go 5 miles to Soldier. Turn east and go 1.5 miles to the ranch. The Kansas Rural Center is a private, non-profit advocacy and education organization promoting sustainable agriculture and a local and regional food system.
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
