2022 Ag Outlook

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Registraton is free of charge and lunch is included for the in-person event.

Registration is required by February 27th for the in-person event.

Registration is recommended by March 2nd for the livestream event.

Dick Wittman, Wittman Consulting

Management Tactics for Leading Farmers

Dick Wittman’s presentation examines key managerial proficiencies that must be implemented to succeed in a family farm business and pass it successfully from generation to generation. It also covers the consequences of failing to adopt these practices in everyday operations. Participants can score themselves on proficiencies in personnel, financial, marketing, and family business governance. This session highlights a learning path for implementing a systems approach and proven strategies for professionally managing a family farm business.

Wittman is board chair and former manager of a 20,000-acre dry land crop, range cattle and timber operation in northern Idaho. Management of the farm has transitioned to a partnership of four other family partners. He also provides private consulting to farm, ranch and agricultural support businesses.

Bruce Rastetter, Summit Agricultural Group

The Future of Agriculture in a New Sustainable World

Bruce Rastetter is the founder and CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, a leading agribusiness and renewable energy firm with operations in North and South America. Rastetter’s hands-on experience in global agricultural and renewable energy sectors, matched with his strong focus on strategic business development, has been key to building successful companies and advising government leaders on policy matters.

Chris Cornelius, Cornelius Seed

Be the Glue: The Business of Being a Family in a Family Business

A native Iowan, Chris Cornelius grew up on a diversified farm in Guttenberg, Iowa. Alongside her husband, Chuck, and their two sons and daughter-in-law, she co-owns and manages her family’s independent, fifth generation seed business. The business celebrated 85 years of success in 2020.

A connector and a networker, Cornelius will share how to be the glue that can keep a family business together and successful. She’ll also discuss the importance of having leadership skills, a succession plan, and having fun with your family in the process.

Schedule of Events:

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Registration

10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Dick Wittman

12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Lunch

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Bruce Rastetter

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Break

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Chris Cornelius

3:15 p.m. Closing

This event is free to all attendees, thanks to our sponsors: