January 23, 2003

Northwest Farm Managers Association’s Annual Meeting Is Feb. 4, in Fargo

During the past 93 years the Northwest Farm Managers Association has attracted speakers to its annual meeting that are some of the best thinkers in agriculture. This year’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Fargo Holiday Inn will be no different, says a North Dakota State University economist.

"The organization has worked to provide an atmosphere where producers could learn and exchange ideas," says Andrew Swenson, NDSU Extension Service farm management specialist. "This year there will be several different topics of interest to producers."

Jerry Gulke, nationally recognized columnist on grain marketing and owner of Strategic Marketing Services, Rockford, Ill., will be the first speaker. Gulke will present his 2003 price outlook for soybeans, wheat and corn and strategies for managing the price risk that surely lies ahead. Michael Christoffers, weed scientist at NDSU, will discuss the possibility of glyphosate-resistant weeds in North Dakota and also will explain how glyphosate use may cause a shift in weed species. In the last session of the morning, Hiram Drache, historian-in-residence at Concordia College in Moorhead and author of 11 books on the history of agriculture, will present interesting aspects on the history of the Northwest Farm Managers Association.

James Wiesemeyer, Vice President, Sparks Companies, Inc., and Washington correspondent for Pro Farmer newsletter will be the noon speaker. He frequently interviews senior government officials and has reported on major farm bills and trade policy in Washington since 1978. Wiesemeyer will also present a Washington update on farm and trade policy issues.

Michael Swanson, Vice President and Senior Economist with Wells Fargo Bank, will present his outlook for agriculture in 2003, including land values and the competitiveness of the United States in world agriculture. Swanson’s responsibilities at Wells Fargo include forecasting key agricultural commodities, regional economic forecasts, and risk analysis of the economies of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

The meeting is open to all farmers and others that are interested in agriculture. A registration fee of $30 includes a noon meal and breaks. Call (701) 231-7393 for more information.

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Source: Andrew Swenson, (701) 231-7379, aswenson@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu