• Conference Host Welcome
• Accommodations Registration
• Conference Agenda
• Conference Registration Form
• Exchange of Ideas
• Family Program
• First Timers' Scholarship
• Visitor Information
• Conference Photos

Conference Host Welcome

Dear NFRBMEA Members & Friends of Our Organization,

On behalf of the Farm Business Management Instructors of South Central Minnesota and the South Central Technical College, “Welcome to the 30th Annual NFRBMEA Conference.”

The 2002 Conference marks the 30th anniversary of our organization. The first Annual Conference was held in Faribault, Minnesota in 1973. After 30 continuous years of farm and ranch education within the NFRBMEA, it is with pride we welcome you back to our origins. Many changes have occurred within agriculture and farm and ranch education over the past 30 years. We now look forward to the future and to the additional changes that are forthcoming.

The opening of the 2002 Conference shall reflect back upon the presentation: 30 Years of the Organization. The speaker will reminisce on the challenges faced, as well as the accomplishments achieved. Progressing through the conference activities, we will review the following topics in depth: “Global Agriculture of the 21st Century”, “Crop Insurance's Role in Risk Management”, “Fundamentals of Ag Leasing”, and Business Planning Software developed by the FinPack staff of the University of Minnesota.

The noted Dr. Neil Harl, of Iowa State University, will provide an excellent glimpse of what one may expect as we progress through the 21st century with his presentation focusing upon “The Next Generation of Agriculture”. Tuesday's after-luncheon speaker will help us put aside the seriousness of our jobs and lives. Dr. Stuart Robertshaw, a.k.a. Dr. Humor will be another “must” for conference attendees. Be assured, no one will go away from his presentation a sour grape.

Tours will allow participants to observe first-hand the role of “Value Added Products and Marketing”, as a means of increasing profitability of farm and ranch families. The day's activities will conclude at the Farmamerica Interpretative Center for a wonderful supper and tour of agriculture past.

The breakfast program will feature the famous “Master Storyteller”, Pat Harrington who will again have his go at the “Revival of the Tales”. Last, but not least, you will not want to return home until hearing the presentation: “Business Management Education Then, Now, & the Future”, and participate in the Exchange of Ideas conducted by our fellow instructors.

First Time Conference Attendees

Each year, the NFRBMEA offers five First Timer's Scholarships to members who have never attended a conference before. If you have been thinking about attending, this is an excellent opportunity for you to gain some new experiences in farm and ranch business management education. It is also an opportunity to network with fellow colleagues from across the U.S. and Canada. If you are a first-time attendee, complete the “First time Scholarship Application”, and send to the address provided. (The applicant must pay annual dues.See application for details).

The Family Program (Spouses/Guests Children)

The Family Program is designed to involve all family members. First, the Holiday Inn & Suites conference facility is oriented to family fun and relaxation. The hotel has excellent meeting facilities and features the "SERENGETI Indoor Water Park". Included in the park’s 14,000 square feet of entertainment are the exciting Kilimanjaro tube slide, the Python body slide, the relaxing Lazy Zambizi River, an activity pool and a whirlpool spa with a waterfall. The animals are in a zero-depth-entrance wading pool that also features several columns of water shooting straight up from the pool floor.

Additional scheduled family activities include: On Monday, a choice of an interesting tour of the Historic Faribault Woolen Mills & Shattuck St. Mary's Preparatory School, in addition to your choice of a site seeing tour of Historic Faribault, or swimming at the Faribault Pool & Water Park, OR participate in a unique Candle and Lotion making program conducted by Jill Anderson of “Country Candles”. Jill will delight attendees with her soy oil products, and you will even have a chance to try your hands at lotion making.

On Tuesday, family is invited to participate in a trip to the Minnesota Zoo for a fun-filled day of activities, OR continue on to the Mall of America for a day of shopping, enjoying Camp Snoopy, the Mall's indoor amusement park.

Everyone is invited to participate in the morning session on Value Added Marketing, and join us for tours of several unique area farms, exploring how they are adding value to their operations. Following the tours you'll enjoy visiting Farmamerica, Minnesota's Agricultural Interpretive Center with depiction of farms from the 1800's through the 1930's. Concluding the day's activities will be an enjoyable supper for all at the Interpretative Center.

Start the day out Thursday with the Storytelling Breakfast with the famous “Master Storyteller” Pat Harrington, who will again have his go at the “Revival of the Tales”. Pat invites you to stretch the truth and tell your favorite tale.

Additional Family Fun & Activities

The Faribault and Owatonna area offers a variety of fun filled activities for your pleasure and enjoyment. If you are a golfer, numerous golf courses in the area can please any golfer's appetite. There are several hiking and biking trails for your outdoor enjoyment and exercise. Within walking distance of the conference center is the world famous outfitter Cabela's, where even in Minnesota you can enjoy the mountains and an abundance of wildlife. For shopping, the Medford Outlet Center is just about a mile from the conference center. If you're looking for an evening of all-around family fun and excitement, take a 45-minute drive to the Valley Fair Amusement Park. Other evening activities for the adventurous could include a trip to the Canterbury Park Race Track, or for one with luck, Mystic Lake Casino. Last but not least, there is an excellent variety of fine dining nearby.

Bring your entire family and plan on having some Great Minnesota fun while attending the 30th Annual NFRBMEA Conference.

Your Conference Host,
Larry Oraskovich