Ag Women Engage Conference

Speaker: Pat Karst, Vice President, Halderman Farm Management and Real Estate Services

We will discuss the land market and what factors affect value, the general ag economy, and the lease rate market for cropland.

Speaker: Michael Langemeier, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University

Leases on agricultural land are strongly influenced by local customs and traditions. However, in most areas landowners and operators can choose from several types of lease arrangements. This presentation will compare historical net returns for crop share leases, fixed cash rent leases, and flexible cash rent leases. Particular emphasis will be given to when and where flexible cash rent leases are a viable option.

Speaker: Angela Sorg, LMHC, PMH-C Health and Human Sciences Educator – DeKalb County

Farming is not just a job; it's a lifestyle that can offer great happiness and satisfaction. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that can sometimes lead to sleepless nights. This program is designed to support farm women and families by providing the resources they need to handle the unexpected and enhance their emotional health. We invite you to join us in strengthening our existing resilience and ensuring that mental well-being flourishes alongside your farming endeavors. Always keep in mind that you and your family are the most valuable assets on your farm.

Moderator: Kelly Heckaman

Join other conference participants to discuss timely livestock topics and share your livestock experience with others. Participants will engage in collaborative dialogue on topics such as animal health, sustainable farming practices, and the integration of new technologies. The roundtable format encourages open conversation and the exchange of innovative ideas, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and drive collective progress in the field.

Speaker: Tamara Ogle, Purdue Extension Regional Community Development Educator

Farmland in Indiana is assessed for property taxes using a statewide base rate multiplied by a soil productivity factor. The base rate has increased at a rapid pace the last two years as higher crop prices and cash rents from 2021-2023 have entered the formula. In this discussion, Tamara Ogle will explain the base rate formula and provide an outlook for the base rate for the next few years. She will also explain how property taxes are calculated and why the percentage increase in your tax bill doesn’t always equal the percentage increase in your assessed value.

Speaker: Kerri Suhr, DVM, Director of Meat & Poultry Inspection, Indiana State Board of Animal Health 

Animal agriculture in Indiana has been a busy sector on many fronts. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health’s Dr. Kerri Suhr provides an overview of the significant issues, from animal care to zoonotic diseases—and much more in between.

Speaker: Adrian Odle, Owner, Creekside Meadows Flower Farm

This presentation will discuss considerations and resources needed to add cut flowers to your existing farm or start a cut flower farm from scratch.

Moderator: Renee Wiatt

This collaborative environment is geared to foster a deeper understanding of effective succession planning, ultimately contributing to the long-term stability and success of farms and businesses.

Speaker: Renee Wiatt, Research and Extension Specialist

There is so much to gain (or lose) when transferring a family farm. Communicating through the succession process is not a straightforward skill. Learn how to juggle family and business discussions while moving succession forward for your farm!

Speaker: Amy Shambach, Aquaculture Marketing Outreach Associate

With seafood having a trade deficit of over $20 billion USD for over a decade and more demand than can be met by commercial fisheries, aquaculture has captured the attention of farmers and entrepreneurs looking for new opportunities. In this talk, we will touch on the basics of what aquaculture is, some reasons why aquaculture production is on the rise, and hear several real-world examples of farms that have diversified by adding aquaculture to their existing operation. We will wrap up our time by briefly touching on product possibilities, market considerations, and free resources available to you for marketing your future aquaculture products.

Speaker: Liz Maynard, Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and Diverse Corn Belt Project Team member.

The Diverse Corn Belt project (DCB) explores how widening crop rotations, grazing more livestock, and implementing agroforestry and other conservation agriculture practices can help our farms and communities become more resilient. Hearing farmers share their stories, we have learned about opportunities and challenges in adding enterprises alongside corn and soybeans. In the project’s fourth year, teams of farmers, community leaders, and ag professionals meet to imagine paths to the future. In this presentation, Liz will share what the DCB team has learned about agricultural diversification in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana and how you can become involved.

Moderator: Amie Osborn

This roundtable provides a platform for participants to share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to enhance financial stability and growth in the agricultural sector.

Speaker: Ann Kline, Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most common sources of nitrogen fertilizer but is potentially the most hazardous chemical used on midwestern farms. This session seeks to raise awareness of the properties, risks, and safety precautions critical to the safety of those who work on or near farms using anhydrous ammonia.

Speaker: Matt Henry: Partner / Private Wealth Advisor; Ashley Stockwell: Associate Financial Representative

Matt and Ashley both have firsthand experience when it comes to the family farm and transition planning. One learned what not to do and one learned what the family farm is like when you have a transition plan and execute on it. We often meet with clients and they tell us they have a succession plan in place with their attorney but many do not realize that a transition plan is different than a succession plan. We also know that most families avoid tackling this conversation because it can be an emotional and difficult topic to discuss. However, avoiding it is not easy either. We help clients figure out what is important to them and their family farm, what they want to see happen, and we develop a transition plan for them to execute on.

Speaker: Amanda Kautz, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Indiana State Soil Health Specialist

Soil health is a buzz word in the world of agriculture these days, but do you know what it really means? Learn about the four principles of soil health, why it is important to your farm, and practices that can lead to healthier more productive soil and a sustainable farming operation for generations to come.

Speaker: Amie Osborn, VP, Commercial & Agricultural Lender- First Farmers Bank & Trust

Discover how lenders evaluate your farm’s financial health and the importance of financial analysis. Learn practical tips to enhance your farm’s financial stability and make informed decisions with confidence."