NWC News Desk

Spring Roundup 2012 scheduled Jan. 19 and 20 for Rocky Mountain ag producers

Posted December 20, 2011
By NWC News Desk

POWELL, Wyo. - Rocky Mountain ag producers will have access to the best agricultural minds in the region during Spring Roundup 2012, happening Thursday and Friday, Jan. 19 and 20, at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo.

The focus of this year’s roundup is risk management. The two-day affair offers a slate of well-known speakers, high-interest information sessions and a chance to see Baxter Black perform in person.

Cost to attend is $130 per person, which includes all meals and sessions, except for the Thursday night Baxter Black show. The first 200 registrants pay a discounted registration of only $45.

Chuck Hassebrook, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs (CRA), will open the roundup with a discussion about a new vision for strengthening family farming and ranching through entrepreneurship, local initiative and policy reform.

The CRA is a nationally recognized research, advocacy and development organization that supports small communities, small business and family farming and ranching. Hassebrook has served 34 years with the center, winning changes in federal tax, farm, conservation and rural development policy.

He was instrumental in the passage of Initiative 300, Nebraska's anti-corporate farming amendment. He also was involved in the passage of federal agricultural tax reforms in the 1980s, research and rural development provisions of recent federal farm bills, and a pioneering package of rural development initiatives passed by the Nebraska Legislature.

In addition to his work with the Center for Rural Affairs, Hassebrook is a member of the University of Nebraska's Board of Regents. He has also served on the Nebraska Rural Development Commission, the National Commission on Small Farms, and co-chaired the USDA Agricultural Science and Technology Review Board.

The breakout sessions feature educational topics designed to help manage risk in ag endeavors, including research updates, ag economics, leadership, USDA programs, succession planning and strategies for employee retention.

Entertainment is provided by Baxter Black who’s made a name for himself across America as a cowboy, poet, philosopher and radio commentator.

Tickets to the Baxter Black show are $25 apiece if purchased in advance, or $30 at the door.

Spring Roundup 2012 is sponsored by the Northwest College Agriculture Department and Center for Training and Development, along with the USDA’s Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnership Program.

Click here for more information, including a full schedule, accommodations and travel options, and online registration.