Gov. Heineman Announces Line-up for 26th Annual Governor's Ag Conference

Gov. Dave Heineman  previewed the schedule for the 2014 Governor’s Ag Conference to be held Wednesday and Thursday, Mar. 5 and 6 at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Kearney. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the conference.
“This year’s conference will challenge conference attendees to think about both the current state and future of agriculture in Nebraska,” said Gov. Heineman. “Livestock welfare, biofuels, and telling the story of Nebraska’s ag industry will all be addressed, giving the farmers, ranchers and agribusiness leaders in attendance a variety of issues to discuss.”
The conference begins at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 5. Randy Krotz, with the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), will begin the conference with a discussion about strategies to engage and educate consumers in meaningful conversations about agriculture. 

Kay Johnson Smith with the Animal Agriculture Alliance based in Washington, D.C., will discuss current issues related to animal welfare and livestock production.

Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer of Green Plains Renewable Energy of Omaha will provide insights on current and future policy considerations for the biofuels sector. Green Plains Renewable Energy owns several ethanol plants across the Midwest, including four in Nebraska.
Dr. Ronnie Green, vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will discuss the results of University lead analysis that looks at the economic advantages of responsible livestock growth in Nebraska and policy considerations associated with such growth.

“There are some key policy issues that are undecided at this time, so the year 2014 could be pivotal for the agricultural industry,” said Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Greg Ibach. “We feel the lineup of speakers will help prepare us with necessary information for the challenges that await the future of the industry.”
Other activities will include an update from Dr. Charles Hibberd with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension on the new Nebraska Agriculture Experience that will debut at the 2014 Nebraska State Fair, and the “Celebrate Nebraska Agriculture” reception. The reception begins at 6 p.m. on Mar. 5, featuring a wide variety of Nebraska food products, and entertainment by the Dueling Duo, a pianist pair from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Anyone interested in agriculture issues is invited to attend. A $100 registration fee covers participation at activities on both Wednesday and Thursday. Registration is available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov, or by calling the Nebraska Department of Agriculture toll-free at (800) 831-0550.