Water Panel Highlights SDCGA Annual Conference

There’s been no bigger topic of discussion during the past year in South Dakota than water. Snow melt, spring rains, flooded fields, overflowing rivers, flooded lakes, drainage problems–the forces of nature thoroughly tested people’s patience.

Quantity and quality are always two major concerns with water. That’s why the South Dakota Corn Growers Association is bringing together three water specialists to tackle the topic at our 34th annual conference January 18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Jeff Zimprich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Gary Leistico of Rinke Noonan law firm and Sally Flis will cover a variety of water topics during an afternoon panel discussion.

Zimprich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service will talk about putting ourselves in the best possible position for the future when it comes to management of water, one of our most-valuable resources. “We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can work with her,” Zimprich says.

Leistico grew up on a Minnesota dairy farm and worked for the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service before completing his law degree. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in water issues, including wetlands, drainage, water quality, policy and legislation.

Sally Flis of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) will discuss the 4 R’s of fertilizer management: right source, right rate, right timing, right placement. TFI represents the fertilizer industry in public policy, stewardship and sustainability. Its 4R program raises awareness and adoption of stewardship practices.

Each of those speakers will give a presentation, then engage in a question-and-answer session with moderator Delaney Howell, host of Market to Market.

Water isn’t the only hot topic that will be discussed during the educational presentations. The morning is packed with information to help farmers plan for the coming year.

Brad Kruse of CommStock Investments will kick off the day’s presentations by providing insight on grain marketing. He’ll be followed by Don Day Jr. of Day Weather Inc., who will present a weather marketing session.

The full day of presentations will be wrapped up by Howell in plenty of time to give people a restful break before the start of the evening banquet. As always, the banquet will include a social time, silent auction, dinner, award and entertainment.

This year’s speaker is going to grab your attention with a captivating presentation about farmers in America. Photographer Paul Mobley traveled across the country with his camera in 2005 and was welcomed into the homes of more than 300 farm families, who shared their personal histories and thoughts. The result was his award-winning photography book, American Farmer: The Heart of America.

And back by popular demand to provide this year’s musical entertainment is the Johnny Holm Band, which played to an enthusiastic crowd at last year’s banquet.

It’s going to be another great conference. There’s still time to register at www.sdcorn.org or by calling the office at 334-0100.

10:00 a.m. – Welcome: Delaney Howell, host of Market to Market, master of ceremonies

10:05 a.m. – Marketing Session: David Kruse, president of CommStock Investments

11:20 a.m. – Weather Marketing Session: Don Day, Jr., president and chief meteorologist of Day Weather Inc.

12:20 p.m. – Lunch

1:45 p.m. – Water Panel

• Jeff Zimprich, state conservationist, NRCS
• Gary Leistico, Rinke Noonan Law Firm
• Sally Flis, senior director of agronomy, The Fertilizer Institute

3:45 p.m. – The Last Word: Delaney Howell

5:30 p.m. – Evening Banquet: Social, silent auction, dinner and entertainment

• Keynote Speaker Paul Mobley, photographer & author of American Farmer: The Heart of America
• Music by The Johnny Holm Band