For livestock producers or operators looking to diversify their farms with livestock, the third annual North Dakota Livestock Summit will take place Feb. 3 in Nome.
Amber Boeshans, executive director of the North Dakota Livestock Alliance, says, “We’re happy to be back with our third annual summit this year. The summit will feature a trade show, networking, lunch, and educational sessions and panels for livestock producers and enthusiasts.”
The summit will feature messages from:
- David Newman, a former North Dakota State University Extension swine specialist and a past president of the National Pork Board
- Dave Skaggs of Central Confinement Services
- Cristen Clark, a competitive cook and Iowa farmer
- Tim Petry of NDSU Agribusiness and Applied Economics
“We’re very excited to welcome back Dr. David Newman to North Dakota,” Boeshans says. “He will be serving as our emcee for the event and also our keynote speaker, sharing about his own farm’s success in the livestock industry.”
Newman is currently a professor of animal science at Arkansas State University and runs his own family farming operation.
“Dr. Newman will be sharing his own work of bringing positivity and enthusiasm about his own family’s farm, and help other producers begin diversifying and marketing their own operations,” Boeshans says.
Permitting process
A panel will discuss all facets of permitting a new livestock operation, at both the state and local levels, from the beginning application process through completion of a new facility. The panel includes Zach Carlson of NDSU as moderator, Karl Rockeman from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Nathan Pesta from DGA Engineering and Ty Eschenbaum from A1 Development Solutions.
Also, attendees can learn new ways to prepare their favorite meats. Clark will be demonstrating preparation methods for beef, pork and lamb, with samples provided to attendees. “We’re happy to have Cristen join us to share a few of her amazing recipes with our summit,” Boeshans says.
Bonus of attending
A trade show will feature commodity groups, livestock services providers and some of the summit’s sponsors. Producers can visit with any of the booth representatives during the networking time built into the day’s schedule. These sponsors range from the North Dakota Pork Council, DGA Engineering, Midwest Dairy, Smithfield and Northern Crops Institute.
The summit will be held in the historic Nome Schoolhouse at 200 First Ave., where attendees can experience a piece of North Dakota history. The free event, which is open to the public, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 3. RSVP’s are appreciated, and more information can be found at the North Dakota Livestock Alliance.