Farmers, ranchers eye more profits at Bottom Line Conference in Lakin
The first Bottom Line Conference for Farmers and Ranchers starts this summer in Lakin, Kansas, with speakers in soil health, water infiltration, grazing practices and financial management.
The speakers for the Aug. 22 to 23 conference are expected to address the goals and concerns for those who attend.
The conference is planned to be at the Kearny County Fairgrounds in Lakin. The annual event, organized by the Kearny County Conservation District in early 2017, has since teamed up with neighboring counties of Hamilton and Finney County Conservation Districts and National Resources Conservation Service and other local sponsors to boost awareness.
“The conference is aimed at giving actionable advice on important soil health to local producers in western Kansas,” said KCCD board advisor and local farmer Titus Jaeger.
The conference, labeled as Profitability Through Soil and Water Conservation in a Dry Climate, means the drier climate and aquifer concerns are on the mind of Bottom Line Conference organizers.
Speakers include Jimmy Emmons, a producer from Leedey, Oklahoma; Candy Thomas and Doug Peterson with the Natural Resources Conservation Service; Tim Steffens, an assistant professor of rangeland resource management at West Texas A&M; and Josh Dukart, a holistic management producer from North Dakota.
Topics, strategies and insights to be presented include: soil health, function and productivity; water holding capacity of various soils; organic matter and water infiltration; increasing profits by augmenting organic matter; operation strategies for less inputs and more profits; holistic farm management and financial planning; and grazing management strategies for better soil livestock productivity and watershed function.
“Because of the drier climate conditions most producers experience in our region, we want to give them all the tools they need to confidently make changes in their operations, and to have those changes be successful and profitable,” Jaeger said. “Obviously, farmers need to support their families, and long term viability boils down to profitability.”
The cost is $45 for two days, if the registration is returned by Aug. 1 and checks made to Kearny County Conservation District, 212 W. Santa Fe Trail Blvd., Lakin, Kansas 67860; or $50 if returned after Aug. 1.
For registration information, event details and sponsorship opportunities visit www.bottomlineconference.com, or contact Allisha Eastin at 620-355-7511 or email [email protected].
