USU plans Ag conference

LOGAN - The seventh annual Diversified Agriculture Conference is held Feb. 24 to 26 in Vernal. The conference is designed to benefit agricultural producers who would like additional tools to help manage their businesses. It focuses on more than traditional agriculture, including recreation, tourism, direct marketing, farmers' markets and further processing.

Conference highlights include information on using high tunnels and USDA cost-share programs, business management tools and workshops, marketing sessions focused on rural areas and examples of agriculture tourism. Track topics include production, business management and tourism/marketing.

A pre-conference workshop is held Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beverly King of the Utah Small Business Development Center will present information on developing a business plan for diversified agricultural businesses. Information will also be presented on receiving ongoing training and one-on-one counseling from the Small Business Development Center networks located throughout Utah. Cost of the pre-conference workshop is $10 and includes lunch.

The opening address will be given by Kelly Matthews, retired economist from Wells Fargo, and will focus on how the economy is affecting small business and rural areas in Utah. Keynote speaker Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, will address grass roots marketing campaigns.

"Agriculture producers need to be able to analyze their own situation as the world changes around them," said Ruby Ward, conference organizer and USU Extension agribusiness specialist. "This will be a great opportunity for producers to gain skills, ideas and interact with others."

Ward said the conference will feature something for everyone. Students from area high schools are invited to attend to learn about a future in agriculture. Special student registration is available by contacting Ward.

The conference is the result of many groups working together including USU Extension, Utah Farm Bureau, the chambers of commerce in Duchesne and Uintah counties, and Uintah County. Grant funding from the USDA-Risk Management Agency helps keep registration costs low.

Conference registration cost is $40 if registered by Feb. 12 and $60 after and includes meals. For further information and a complete list of sponsors and partners, visit www.diverseag.org or call the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce at 435-789-1352, your local USU County Extension office or Ward at 435-797-2323.