If you ask Jo Lynne Seufer if there is one underlying theme of the operations of U.S.D.A.'s Risk Management Agency, she would be quick to point out it is the diversity.
SEUFER: One of our most significant goals is to create more awareness about how to manage risks. And that doesn't include just managing production risks but also financial risks, human resource risks which is farm safety, and financial risks, and risks that entail estate planning and just different whole farm planning.
And with that in mind Seufer and other R.M.A. officials are hosting a two day conference set for November 15th and 16th in Billings Montana. Farmers and ranchers from eight western states including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are invited to attend the event called "Northern Region Successful Strategies for Small and Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers Conference". The title sounds like a mouthful but Seufer summarizes all of R.M.A.'s components into the gist of the conference.
SEUFER: These conferences that we're putting together include the whole holistic effort of that, which also includes family health, when we look at managing risks in the home as well for the farmer.
And like R.M.A., the Successful Strategies Conference covers a variety of topics.
SEUFER: We have a lot of various speakers there ranging from the animal I.D. program that's coming up, and the biosecurity for livestock, and just a lot of organic programs, as well as our insurance programs.
So whether a producer's emphasis is cattle or hydroponics, Seufer says the conference should cover most areas of interest for the Northwest producer, whether through the guest speakers or the various seminars scheduled.
SEUFER: We are going to have breakout that relate to a fruit producer, as well as the various minority groups that we have in all states. That's why we're looking at a lot of rangeland programs, as well as the livestock. And the small producer over on our coast of Washington and Oregon & we have a lot of small farmers over there that we are encouraging to come as well.
Seating for the conference is limited. Those interested in attending can find out more information by going to www.qualitysupport.com, and clicking on the links to R.M.A. and the Northern Region conference. Or call (509) 353-2147.
