Here's your chance to hear the latest news and views from the people who will be shaping the next farm bill. We've invited "heavy hitters" like:

Focus on Farm Policy speaker schedule

Friday, February 24, 2006

8:00 - 9:00 am: Registration

9:00 am: Welcome
-A message from House Ag Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-VA

9:30 am: "Time for change, or status quo?"
Part One:
Ken Cook, president, Environmental Working Group
Ralph Grossi, president, American Farmland Trust

Part Two:
Gerald Tumbleson, president, National Corn Growers Association
Bob Metz, president, American Soybean Association

11:15-11:45: US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns

Noon to 1:00 pm: Lunch
-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-IA

1:15-1:30: Welcome
-Introductions to afternoon sessions

1:30-2:00: Conservation Policy introduction:
-House Ag Committee member Rep. Tim Holden, R-PA (invited)

2:00-2:30 Q & A with Holden

2:30-3:30: Conservation Policy panel
-Anne Simmons, House Ag Committee/conservation subcommittee
-Jim Andrew, Iowa Tier-III CSP farmer and ISA director

3:30-3:45: Break

3:45-4:15:
Livestock Policy introduction:
-House Appropriations Committee member Tom Latham, R-IA

4:15-5:15:Livestock Policy panel
-Gregg Doud, chief economist, National Cattlemen's Beef Association
-Joy Philippi, president-elect, National Pork Producers Association
-Steve Olson, executive director, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

5:15-7:30: Reception

Saturday, February 25, 2006

8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast

9:00 - 9:30 am: USDA Undersecretary Tom Dorr, Rural Development

9:30 - 10:00 am: Q & A with Tom Dorr

10:00 - 11:45 am: Renewable Energy Policy panel
-Joe Jobe, chairman, National Biodiese Board
-Monte Shaw, executive director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
-Jeff Stroburg, CEO, West Central Cooperative
-Bill Horan, Iowa farmer and 25x'25 Renewable Energy Group member
-Don Borgman, John Deere & Company market planning manager

Noon to 1:30 pm: Lunch & "Farm bills: Past, present and future"
Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, ag economist
** presented by NuTech Seeds

1:30 to 2:00 pm: Summary and Conclusions
-Moderators wrap-up