*The deadline for registration is February 28th*

Theme:

This year's Forum will focus on farm and ranch succession and transfer planning. The forum will address transition and tenure strategies that facilitate the entry of next generation agricultural producers while providing innovative and appropriate solutions for retiring farmers and ranchers, as well as landholders. It will be an excellent opportunity for existing farmers and ranchers to link with agricultural providers who specialize in farm and ranch succession planning. Aspiring farmers and ranchers seeking land access will have a chance to connect with landowners and agricultural professionals who support the next generation of producers.

Who should attend?

You Should attend this event if you are a:

• Current farmer or rancher interested in strategies for transitioning out of agriculture.
• Landowner seeking options for farmland tenure and management transfer.
• Agricultural professional looking to assist farm/ranch families and the next generation of famers and ranchers.
• Prospective farmer or rancher seeking opportunities in agriculture.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 7th

1:00-5:00pm: Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens 
Join us to network with other statewide agricultural service providers and learn about local food initiatives and producers in our region.

2:00-4:00pm: The Role of Conservation in Farm Succession Planning - Panel of Ag. Service Professionals - Facilitator, Andrew Mackie, Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas

• Conservation Opportunities for Landowners – Ginger Davidson, Palmer Land Trust: Lower Arkansas Conservation Director
• Innovative Water Solutions for Preserving Active Agriculture – John Stulp, Special Policy- Advisor to the Governor on Water
• Mitigation Banking: Compensation for Farmers through Wetland Credits – Ben Guillon, Wetlands Research Associates
• Agricultural Services for Landowners and Next Generation Farmers – Bill Gardiner, NRCS
• The Role of SARE with Land Linking Programs – Cindy Lair, State Conservation Program Manger

7:00pm: Keynote Address by Leland Swenson: Preserving Colorado’s Agricultural Legacy - Welcome and Introduction – David Lynch

Leland (Lee) Swenson assumed his role as the Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director on May 20, 2013.  Leland is responsible for management and oversight of all federal farm programs administered by FSA as well as the related administrative operations for
39 county offices in Colorado. 

Born and raised on a diversified family farm, Swenson has been active in the agriculture sector for more than forty years. He has held significant leadership positions with several major agricultural organizations in South Dakota, California, and Colorado, serving as the Executive Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union; Executive Director of Community Alliance with Family Farmers; President of the National Farmers Union; and President and Secretary/Treasurer of the South Dakota Farmers Union. 

Committed to assisting retiring family farmers and ranchers help foster and mentor the next generation of agriculture producers, Swenson served on the California Farm-Link board of directors during his tenure as Executive Director of Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

Leland has also held Presidential and Secretarial appointments to the 21st Century Commission on Production Agriculture and the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee on Trade. Swenson served in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard. 

*For more about Leland's perspective on Land Link programs and farmland access, check out the blog post in which Guidestone had a chance to interview him, here!*

7:30pm: Music by Salida's own Caravan X!

Caravan X is a William Boddy, Terri Dunn, Raphael and Greg Walter project. The project features William Boddy on stand-up bass, who has been playing bass for over 40 years and has an impressive resume not only as a musician but as an artist as well. Terri Dunn plays percussion, sings, and adds a groovy and sexy presence to the band. Rafael of Subculture Cyclery is our main percussionist; born and raised in Mexico he brings a wide range of sounds that really drive the band. Greg Walter plays guitar, sings, and brings what is growing to be a fairly eclectic wide range of original songs.

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Saturday, March 8th

Lodging & Meals

Register Now! 

About Guidestone

Guidestone is a 501c3, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food economy through the preservation of agricultural resources and education for ecological literacy. Guidestone serves youth, families, farmers, ranchers, educators, and the community by providing programs and services that expand knowledge, skills, attitudes and actions that connect people their food systems.

Contact David Lynch, Colorado Land Link Director, at david@guidestonecolorado.org or call 719-966-2237 with further questions. We look forward to your participation.