The new year is well underway! At the Beginning Farmer Center we are looking forward to new activities and programming, the first of which is our upcoming 2025 Farm Transitions Conference on February 6th and 7th.
The two-day Farm Transitions Conference will be held in person at the Gateway Hotel in Ames with a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and a full agenda of educational sessions for farmers of all ages and stages in their farming careers. There is also time dedicated to networking with speakers and other attendees.
Since it is never too early to think about the future of the farm, we have sessions geared towards beginning farmers, retiring farmers and everyone in between. Conference participants will hear from a wide array of speakers, all experts in their field, including agricultural economists, attorneys, extension specialists, mediators, representatives from USDA and Iowa Finance Authority and more.
Conference topics include, using trusts and business entities in the farm transition process, farm income tax update, strategic use of insurance and risk management tools, value-added agriculture options, 2025 ag market outlook, and beginning farmer considerations including tax credit options. Featured speaker Kiley Fleming from the Iowa Mediation Service will share her thoughts on taking action in the succession planning process to turn goals into reality.
Also on the agenda is a session designed specifically with new farmers in mind. The session titled Beginning and Aspiring Farmer Considerations will focus on issues important to new farmers and those who are interested in farming in the future. During this session, we will launch our new Beginning Farmer Checklist which we are excited to share with you all.
New this year is Ask the Experts, a session devoted to answering audience questions. This session in combination with dedicated networking time will set the stage for attendees to get their specific questions answered. The conference will conclude with a special session highlighting Tom Halat, owner and operator of Toms Farm Market & Greenhouse in Huntley, Illinois. Tom will share his experience and perspective on starting his farm and growing it into the successful, diversified operation it is today.
Registration for the Farm Transitions conference can be found on the Beginning Farmer Center Website at Home - 2025 Farm Transitions Conference. Please contact Kristiana Coutu at kcoutu@iastate.edu or (515) 357-6680.