Area farmers considering expanding or diversifying their operations are invited to the Northeast Nebraska Swine Summit set for July 17 in Norfolk, Neb.

            The program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northeast Community College’s Lifelong Learning Center. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

            The event is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Northeast Community College, and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

            “With diminished returns on row crop operations, increased cost of land ownership, and surplus feedstuffs in the corn belt, now may be the time for Nebraska farmers to consider adding a swine confinement facility,” said Will Keech, AFAN director of livestock development.  “This conference is designed to provide farmers with the information and insight they need to consider adding confined swine production to their operations for future growth.” 

            Keynote speaker will be Bill Winkelman, vice president of industry relations for the National Pork Board, who will provide an industry update and discuss the path for swine industry expansion.

            Other issues to be discussed include a 2019 agriculture economic outlook with focus on the pork sector; resources for building a barn, featuring a panel of industry experts; manure and nutrient management; and a presentation about Northeast Community College’s agriculture program and capital contributions program.

            Reservations should be sent to AFAN at judys@a-fan.org, or call 402.421.4472. Or for more information, go to Becomeafan.org.