Here’s a look at the agenda of the upcoming conference, along with information on registration. You can fill out your registration form online here.
Find lodging information at the bottom of this page.
Download the agenda in PDF form.
Wednesday, February 12
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Education Program — TBA
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trade Talk
Come and join representatives from your Commercial Sponsors as they host this wine and cheese celebration. Trade Talk displays will continue on Thursday, February 13.
Thursday February 13
7:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
Scholarship Auction Check-In
Continental Breakfast with Commercial Sponsors in Trade Talk
8:15 a.m.
Greeting and Introductions
Jim Schroeder, AFM, Hickory Point Bank & Trust, Annual Meeting Chair
8:30 a.m.
The State of U.S. Agriculture — 2014
John Phipps, Host, U.S. Farm Report
John writes humor & commentary, appearing monthly in Farm Journal and Top Producer magazines as a contributing editor. His family farm is now in its sixth generation in Edgar County.
9:15 a.m.
Tax and Estate Issues YOU Need to Know About
Michael Barton, Bellatti-Barton, et al
Michael received his bachelor’s and Master’s and Law degrees from the University of Illinois. His practice concentrates in real estate, business, income tax and estate planning, and trust and estate administration for farmers and land owners. He is considered the leading Illinois attorney in agricultural law.
10:00 a.m.
Break with Trade Talk Exhibitors
10:30 a.m.
(Concurrent Sessions)
Appraiser Updates
Brian Weaver, Il Dept of Financial and Professional
Regulation Appraisal Coordinator
What’s Happening with Cellulosic Ethanol
John Pieper, DuPont-Pioneer Hi-Bred International
John Pieper serves as Business Director for DuPont-Pioneer’s Eastern Market. Based in Bloomington, Illinois, he is responsible for sales, marketing technical services, product logistics and administrative support for the region which includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and
Maryland
11:15 a.m.
Midwest Inland Port Intermodal Facility
Mark Schweitzer, director of Intermodal and Container Freight at ADM. The Midwest Inland Port will have access to three railroads, five interstate Highways and an airport that can support wide body aircraft. Schweitzer says the Port will help the state of Illinois meet its goal of doubling its export by
2014.
Noon
Lunch with Trade Talk Exhibitors
12:45 p.m.
ISPFMRA Awards and Recognition Program
2013 Hall of Fame Presentation
2013 Service to Agriculture Award Presentation
Scholarship Recipient Recognitions
1:30 p.m.
Just What IS the Howard G. Buffet Foundation?
Chad E. Shipmaker, Deputy Director
The Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF) is a private family foundation working to improve the standard of living and quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations Chad E. Shipmaker is the Foundation’s Deputy Director, supporting the organization’s programs and grantmaking in the United States and internationally.
2:30 p.m.
Final Break with Trade Talk Exhibitors
3:00 p.m.
ASFMRA Update
Jerry Hicks, AFM, ASFMRA Council, Region III Representative
What’s New in Washington, D.C.
Stephen Frerichs, ASFMRA Legislative Affairs Chair (invited)
Stephen Frerichs is principal at AgVantage LLC in Alexandria, Virginia, a consulting and lobbying firm. Stephen specializes in budget, agricultural and credit issues.
4:00 p.m.
Annual Business Meeting
5:30 p.m.
Memorial Scholarship Auction and Reception
Friday February 14
7:00 a.m.
Breakfast — Because this is a plated breakfast tickets for the meal must be reserved on the Registration form.
7:30 a.m.
Passing of the Gavel Ceremony
Swearing In of 2014 Officers
7:45 a.m.
The State of Illinois Agriculture
Bob F. Flider, Director Illinois Department of Agriculture
Referred to as a “tireless, effective leader for rural farming communities,” Flider was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn as director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Feb. 15, 2012. The appointment enabled Flider, a former lawmaker and mayor in east central Illinois, to continue a career dedicated to public service.
8:30 a.m.
Depart by individual vehicles for caravan to Caterpillar manufacturing
9:00 a.m.
Tour Decatur Caterpillar Facility (NOTE: Tour is limited to first 50 to sign up)
11:00 a.m.
Tour ends, meeting activities conclude
Lodging
A block of rooms (Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers) has been reserved at the
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel
4191 US Highway 36 West
Decatur, ILBusiness Class Room $103.00 plus tax per night
Standard Room $86.00 plus tax per night.Rooms may be reserved by calling 217-422-8800. The deadline for making reservations in this room block is January 11, 2014. Reservations made after that date will be accepted on a space-available basis. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 p.m. A late-departure charge may apply for any room occupied after the checkout time.