Bernie Erven, professor emeritus at Ohio State University, will be the keynote speaker at the 2014 IFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference, Jan. 24-25 at the Indianapolis Marriott East.
“Operating a family farm business can be extremely rewarding, but it also brings its share of challenges to the table, especially when you consider family dynamics,” said Meggie Foster, Young Farmer and women’s program coordinator for Indiana Farm Bureau. “Dr. Erven will discuss the importance of leadership within a family business and how that is an especially important transition for the younger members of the farm operation.”
Erven’s “Farm Transitions” address explores the correlation between farm success and willingness to change, especially when it comes to the challenges of farming with family. His presentation covers a critical question for the next generation: How can younger family members make the transition from thinking of it as “your” farm to thinking of it as “our” farm and then commit to working together with other family members and employees?
The keynote speech takes place at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.
The conference has a similar format to the last few years. Friday night is filled with fun activities for adults and children, including massages, corn hole and euchre tourneys, and snacks. A Kids Against Hunger packing event returns from last year as well.
Saturday’s activities include the keynote, four flights of breakout sessions and the trade show and silent auction. The event ends with a meal and entertainment from Paul Miller, a magician, juggler and comedian.
Registration and more details for IFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference are available at www.infarmbureau.org/yfconf.