conference photos

If you weren't able to attend this year's National Farm Business Management Conference, here is a sampling of what you missed.

landscape photos

Welcome!

Pre-Conference Board Meeting L-R: Doug Wertish, Myron Oftedahl, Ira Beckman, Jim McCuistion, Jay D. Olsen, Al Graner, Jim Kelm and Wayne Pike

Pre-Conference Board Meeting

Barb Kelm and Doug Wertish help the Thomases check in

Comedian Scott Novotny entertained us with his zany humor

NFRBMEA President Jay D. Olsen (L) and NAFBAS President Jim Huschka welcome everyone to the 2012 Conference.

Conference attendees were given the opportunity to go to four different breakout sessions. Each breakout was offered twice.

“Establishing Enhanced Services”, presented by Tom Thaden, NW IFBA (L) & Jim McCabe, IL Valley FBFM.

Chuck Schwartau, U of MN Extension Educator, co-presented “How to Produce an Employee Manual”.

Renee Setzer, Lakeshore Farm Mgt., co-presented “How to Produce an Employee Manual”.

Todd Ziegler, KS Farm Mgt. Assoc. NW (L) & Al Roesler, FBM Instructor at South Central College presented “How to Prepare Data for Analysis”.

Bob Rhea, IL (L); Tom Weygandt, OH (C) & Jim Kelm, MN

Communications Director Deb Pike & IABME Director Tom Weygandt talk about the IABME site.

Afternoon Session Chair Jay D. Olsen gets us ready for the afternoon's presentation.

Session Chair Jay D. Olsen presented William Nelson, CHS, with a Distinguished Service Award- Friend

The producer panel discussed “Needs of Growing Farms / Providing Value”. At right, panel commentator is Rob Holcomb, U of MN Extension.

The audience enjoyed hearing about each producer's farming operations.

After all the panelists had spoken, the floor was opened for Q & A.

Past President Al Graner (ND) gives his report. Listening in foreground, L-R: Barry Kurtz (MN), Vic Richardson (MN), Doug Wertish (MN) & Tom Ackerman (OH).

Jay D. Olsen listens as President Elect Doug Wertish (L) gives the Industry Relations Committee report.

IABME members listening to presentations. L-R: JoAnn Peterson, Wayne Schoper, Pam Uhlenkamp, Shawn Erickson & Josh Tjosaas.

IABME members also heard a presentation by Kent Beadle of Russell Consulting.

IABME members (L-R): Lynsey Frey, Brenda Tyre, Amber Lovitt, Keith Knudsen & Kayla Peterson

Monday evening visitors were free to explore. (L-R) Tom Ackerman, Raphael & Wayne Pike at MOA.

Tom Gillaspy, Gillaspy Demographics, spoke about “Finding Opportunity in Demographic Change“

Tuesday was a day to visit with vendors during Breaks

Conference attenders heard from Dr. Michael Swanson, Senior VP, Agricultural Economist & Consultant with Wells Fargo & Company

Tuesday was a big day. Lenders and agri-businesses purchasing tickets were invited to hear the day's speakers.

Charlie Arnot, CEO, Center for Food Integrity, spoke about “Building consumer Trust & Confidence in Today's Food System”.

Session Chair Doug Wertish presents a Bremer Bank representative with a Distinguished Service Award- Friend.

The Light Rail System, with a stop just across the street from the Crowne Plaza, took us right to Target Field.

Target Field, Downtown Minneapolis

It was a beautiful night for a baseball game...

... and the view of the skyline as the sun went down was beautiful too.

One big Bow-Wow: Target's “Bullseye” is 37' tall.

Bullseye is lit with LED lighting, and his tail is programmed to wag at different speeds.

First-time conference attendees gathered during Wednesday's breakfast to learn about NFRBMEA and NAFBAS.

The First-Timers' event is hosted by the Presidents Elect of each organization.

One tour choice was the Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake. Thaddeus McCamant (R), instructor with Northland College, Detroit Lakes, MN introduces our tour host.

Touring Pine Tree Orchard

A group event was held at the MN Zoo Wednesday evening. Conference attenders not wishing to tour were able to come out to the zoo earlier in the day to explore.

The topic of the Two-Toed Sloth came up for discussion on the lightrail coming back from Tuesday's Twins game. For more information about this animal go to www.mnzoo.com/animals/animals_sloth.asp.

Bears are a lot like kids. They just can't leave each other alone.

Leopard

It was a nice evening for a picnic at the Zoo

An inflatable toy was available for the kids to play in

Wednesday evening picnic at the MN Zoo.

Scott Miller's presentation

The NFRBMEA Annual Business Meeting resumed Thursday morning.

Al Graner receives his retiring officer plaque from President Jay D. Olsen

The 2012-13 Board gathers for a Post-Conference Board Meeting. L-R: Past President Jay D. Olsen, Secretary Jim McCuistion, President Doug Wertish, Treasurer Myron Oftedahl, President Elect Mark Holkup.