7th ANNUAL DIVERSIFIED AG CONFERENCE COMING TO VERNAL

The seventh annual Diversified Agriculture Conference will be Feb. 24-26 in Vernal at Western Park. The conference is designed to benefit agricultural producers who would like additional tools to help manage their business. It focuses on more than traditional agriculture, including recreation, tourism, direct marketing, farmers' markets and further processing.

Conference highlights include information on using high tunnels and USDA cost-share programs, business management tools and workshops, marketing sessions focused on rural areas and examples of agriculture tourism. Track topics include production, business management and tourism/marketing.

The pre-conference workshop is Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beverly King of the Utah Small Business Development Center will present information on developing a business plan for diversified agricultural businesses. Information will also be presented on receiving ongoing training and one-on-one counseling from the Small Business Development Center networks located throughout Utah. The pre-conference costs $10 and includes lunch.

Utah State University Extension along with the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce, the Vernal County Economic Development Association and the USDA Risk Management Agency are among those co-sponsoring the event.

“Agriculture producers need to be able to analyze their own situation as the world changes around them,” said Ruby Ward, conference organizer and USU Extension agribusiness specialist. “This will be a great opportunity for producers to gain skills, ideas and interact with others.”

Ward said the conference will feature something for everyone. Students from area high schools are invited to attend to learn about a future in agriculture. Special student registration is available through local Future Farmers of America advisors or contacting Ward.

Registration fee for the conference is $40 and includes meals if you register by Feb 5. For further information, visit www.diverseag.org, call the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce at 435-789-1352, your local USU County Extension Office or Ward at 435-797-2323.

January 25, 2010 "Latest news on the Chamber"
	7th ANNUAL DIVERSIFIED AG CONFERENCE COMING TO VERNAL The seventh annual Diversified Agriculture Conference will be Feb. 24-26 in Vernal at Western Park. The conference is designed to benefit agricultural producers who would like additional tools to help manage their business. It focuses on more than traditional agriculture, including recreation, tourism, direct marketing, farmers' markets and further processing. Conference highlights include information on using high tunnels and USDA cost-share programs, business management tools and workshops, marketing sessions focused on rural areas and examples of agriculture tourism. Track topics include production, business management and tourism/marketing. The pre-conference workshop is Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beverly King of the Utah Small Business Development Center will present information on developing a business plan for diversified agricultural businesses. Information will also be presented on receiving ongoing training and one-on-one counseling from the Small Business Development Center networks located throughout Utah. The pre-conference costs $10 and includes lunch. Utah State University Extension along with the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce, the Vernal County Economic Development Association and the USDA Risk Management Agency are among those co-sponsoring the event. “Agriculture producers need to be able to analyze their own situation as the world changes around them,” said Ruby Ward, conference organizer and USU Extension agribusiness specialist. “This will be a great opportunity for producers to gain skills, ideas and interact with others.” Ward said the conference will feature something for everyone. Students from area high schools are invited to attend to learn about a future in agriculture. Special student registration is available through local Future Farmers of America advisors or contacting Ward. Registration fee for the conference is $40 and includes meals if you register by Feb 5. For further information, visit www.diverseag.org, call the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce at 435-789-1352, your local USU County Extension Office or Ward at 435-797-2323.
Chamber Chat - January 25, 2010