Nov. 22, 2013

Regional ag leaders are invited to the Panhandle Agricultural Summit Dec. 12-13  to discuss key issues and plan for positioning the Panhandle for the future. The event, which will be held at the Gering Civic Center, is sponsored by the Scottsbluff-Gering United Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee and the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Day one begins with registration and welcome at 11 a.m. and will conclude by 5 p.m. The afternoon will focus on emerging trends that affect producers and the region. The luncheon keynote speaker will be Dr. Ronnie Green, NU Vice President of Agriculture/IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor.

Three afternoon speakers will address trends in specific ag sectors:

• Crops: Corby Jensen, Regional Technology Development Lead for Monsanto Co.;
• Livestock: Tom Field, director of the UNL Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program; and
• Water: Lincoln Attorney Lee Orton.

A response summing up the afternoon’s main points will be provided by Chuck Hibberd, Dean of UNL Extension, and Leo Hoehn, ag producer, Hoehn Farms.

Day two begins at 7 a.m. with continental breakfast and will conclude by noon. The morning will consist of small-group discussions in which participants will prioritize main issues from day one, then develop action plans with pragmatic objectives. Tobias Spanier, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, will lead the structured session.

Registration

Advance registration is due by Dec. 5. To register, contact the Scottsbluff-Gering United Chamber of Commerce at 308-632-2133. The fee is $35 per person and covers meals and speakers.

News Release
UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center