Search Site   
News Stories at a Glance
School children ‘visiting’ farms thanks to Virtual Farm Trips
Michigan seeks relief for storm damaged maple syrup industry
CAT marks 100th anniversary with historic tractor walk
2 non-traditional farmers among Michigan GREAT ambassadors
Researchers investigate immune cells in cows’ milk
Indiana farm offers horse camps and riding lessons 
Department of Interior urged to add phosphate, potash to critical minerals
Tariffs may mean corn growers will have to seek new markets 
FARMLAND Act bill aims to protect farmland from foreign ownership
Henderson County, Ky., FFA among top chapters in country
Most farmers will plant more corn, fewer soybeans; except in Ohio
   
Archive
Search Archive  
   
Free seminars at NFMS offer insight into farming industry
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Agricultural enthusiasts won’t want to miss the insightful and educational seminars at this year’s National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS). This is an opportunity for the show’s attendees to gain perspective on the farming industry from a collection of well-known industry experts.

The free farm-business seminars will range in topics from ag marketing, to crop production, to the future of the industry and the impact of the Internet. The seminars are good additions to the products and equipment on display Feb. 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The first seminar, “Agronomic Clinic,” will be presented by Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist. The 90-minute seminar centers on fine-tuning crop production skills. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., and again on Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. in Room 104 of the South Wing Conference Center.

Ferrie, one of only a few completely independent agronomists in the U.S., runs an agronomic consulting business in Illinois. A graduate of Illinois State University, he oversees and establishes the protocol for Farm Journal’s Field Test Program. The program replicates plots in central Illinois to learn about various machinery technologies and practices in real farming situations.

The second seminar, “Marketing Outlook,” presented by Bob Utterback, Farm Journal economist, includes sound marketing information focused on improving farmers’ bottom lines through marketing success. The 90-minute seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m., and again on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m., in South Wing Conference Center Room 104.

In addition to working with Farm Journal, Utterback is a registered commodities representative and president of Utterback Marketing Services, Inc. He provides overall marketing outlooks and strategies in agricultural commodities. Utterback has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Oregon State University.

Farm Journal Media will also bring a live taping of “U.S. Farm Report; Town & Country Living” hosted by Al Pell. Alongside Pell, a panel of industry experts will discuss market activities and their impact on the future. After a roundtable discussion, the taping features a question and answer session, where visitors can pose questions directly to the panel of professionals.

As host, Pell brings a background as a farmer, broadcaster and award-winning anchor. After graduating from Purdue University, he began his career with the Cooperative Extension Service, where he received the USDA Superior Service Award for innovative programming. The taping is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. in South Wing Conference Center Room 104.

For more information about the NFMS, visit www.farmmachineryshow.org or watch AgDay Television for additional updates of the show.

This farm news was published in the February 8, 2006 issue of Farm World.

2/8/2006