The 2012 Tennessee Farmland Legacy Conference “Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Farms” which will be held November 1st at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee. It is a great conference with an abundance of information for farm families and landowners. Nationally-known speaker Jolene Brown from West Branch, Iowa, will present the final afternoon general session entitled, “If We Huff and Puff, Will We Blow Your House Down?” in what promises to be an upbeat, interactive session, taking a look at the tools needed to build a strong family farm business.
A special general session, “Voice of the Community,” will be presented by representatives from Robertson County speaking on their current Comprehensive Plan project with a direct focus on protecting and enhancing the county’s agriculture economy and farmlands. Lunch speakers will be the 2012 Tennessee Young Farmer Achievement Award winners, Josh and Julianna Ogle, from Lincoln County, discussing their farmland operations. Break-out sessions include leasing and rental of farmland, conservation easements and programs, timber management, estate planning, and updates on estate taxes. There will also be community and planning topics such as comprehensive planning and other tools that localities can use to support agriculture. A reception honoring Century Farmers and open to all conference participants will bring the workshop to a close. On November 2nd, an optional tour (included with registration) will visit the Sanders Spring Forest Century Farm founded in 1808 in Dickson County.
Early registration continues now through October 26. Register by that date to obtain early registration fee: Farmer $25; Others $50. Late Registration (Oct. 27-Nov. 1) is: Farmer $50; Others $100. For more information about the 2012 Farmland Legacy Conference, and to register, visit the website at www.farmlandlegacy.org or call the University of Tennessee Conference Services at 865-974-0280.
