Next Generation Conference Draws Ranchers from Across Montana

Next Generation Conference Draws Ranchers from Across Montana

Image via Next Generation Conference

If you live in Montana, almost everything starts with a drive. This statement held true for the Montana’s Next Generation Conference held in Shelby, MT on January 30 and 31.  Walking among the crowd nametags declared Malta, Billings, Chinook, Box Elder, Butte, Fort Benton, Geraldine and other far destination were common.  In addition to the travelers approximately 130 participants were locals, meaning they drove 50 miles or less to attend the conference.

Many people have the misconception that farms and ranches are just given to the children when parents are ready to retire.  In reality it just doesn’t work that way.  The first day of the conference focused on Succession Planning, which is about how to get your business operation from one generation to the next or how to include the next generation into the current operation.   There are communication issues, control issues and responsibilities that don’t allow an easy hand off without detailed planning.   Succession is as much about the people involved as it is about the financial aspect.

This year there were repeat attendees who had listened to Kevin Spafford’s workshop last year and returned bringing with them more family members.  Many families find it hard if not impossible to start the conversation about how do we make this transition from one generation to the next work and how do we plan for the future generations.  The younger generation fears rejection and the generation in place fears giving up control of what has been their life’s work, their pride and their income.  Spafford’s presentations helps people to see that delaying that conversation basically means failure to ensure that the family farm or ranch will stay in the family.

Spafford repeatedly pointed out that the attendance is larger at Montana’s Next Generation Conference than many national conferences.  Also for two years in a row he has been delighted by the fact that attendance of the younger oncoming generation out numbers the in place or middle generation by such a great amount.  It shows there are young people waiting and wanting to take over.

Saturday kicked off at the High School where there were 36 high quality breakout sessions and two panel discussions covering livestock production and cropping.   Cindy Halley, Carter, stated, “At all the workshops I attended I gained knowledge and great information.  I learned lots and now need to go home and do my homework (on bull genetics and selection).”

Kenny Benson, Sunburst, is looking to moving back to the family ranch.  After attending Lyle Allen, Lewistown Livestock Auction, and Gary Buffington’s, Northern Video Representative, presentation on Beginning Beef Cattle Marketing he stated, “There were a lot of good tips for getting more dollars. There are so many things to think about.”

Kory Fauque, KW Insurance, has been a favorite presentation of attendees and his facilitating of the Cropping Panel is well done.  Fauque frequently knows the producers and what questions to ask them to spotlight their knowledge and skills.

When asked why he drove all the way from Billings, William Archembault stated he had been told by his FSA Officer that this was the best (borrowers) training in the state.   FSA requires borrowers to get training on how to manage their finances and records. They can get the mandatory training condensed into one weekend by attending the Montana’s Next Generation Conference, which is a great time saver for many.

Lacy Roberts, FSA Loan Officer from Glacier County, the Borrower Trainer and one of the main organizers of the event stated, “I was very excited to see the participation from across the state of Montana and enthusiasm for learning. It is great when people come up to you after the conference and say they wish they could have had another day of workshops to learn more! We are very appreciative of all the speakers and sponsors who helped make this event possible along with all the great help we received from the Toole and Glacier County FSA offices, Marias River Livestock, the Glacier and Toole County Extension Agents and Farm Bureau. We really have a great team to work with!”