Rural Topics


26 Jan 2023

by Heather Stone

Cold weather can pose significant risks on the farm, affecting people and equipment. Common winter incidents on a farm include slips, falling from heights such as grain bins, trucks or equipment, hypothermia and drowning. By taking steps to mitigate these risks, farmers can protect themselves, their workers, and their equipment from harm while continuing to operate safely and efficiently during the winter months. Here are five tips to think about when planning your day during the winter months:  1. Continuously Monitor Weather Conditions Monitor weather conditions throughout the day. Take steps to protect people and equipment from weather conditions before they become severe. Most locations have limited daylight hours during winter months which makes planning critical. It's important to know when to delay operations as conditions like high wind, extremely low temperature, snow, ice and sleet increase the risk of accidents occurring. There are free services available to help with continuous monitoring like the National Weather Service, Severe Weather Monitor website and  The 5 best free weather apps for iPhone and Android .  2. Be Prepared  Work chores on the farm don’t stop because of cold weather. Some items to think about before you could be caught or stranded in cold weather include:  Do you have a winter survival kit?  Some items to consider are:  Windshield scraper Flashlight with extra batteries First aid kit Extra water Snack food Matches and candles Necessary medications Survival blanket Booster cables Tow rope Shovel Extra clothing Emergency reflectors Distress flag If using equipment, do you have enough gas? Try to keep gas tanks full.  Tell someone before you leave your regulator route. Keep in regular contact with people who are working in poor weather conditions.  Clearly mark water bodies that may be covered in ice.  Are walkways clear and free of slips, trips and fall hazards? Is it safe to use a four-wheeler in the current weather conditions?  Are you ready for power failures? Huddle up at the start of the day and have a safety discussion on what to do if someone becomes stranded.  3. Understand the Signs and Symptoms of Cold Weather Illnesses  One of the most significant ways in which cold weather can negatively impact risk on the farm is by increasing the chances of hypothermia and frostbite. These conditions occur when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, leading to a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling and loss of consciousness. Wind chill is an important factor to consider when planning outdoor work. The National Weather Service has a Wind Chill Chart that can assist you with planning outdoor work. You should also consider the physical demands of the work being performed in cold conditions to ensure there are periods to take a break and warm-up out of the elements. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has additional information on cold weather illnesses, Winter Weather: Plan. Equip. Train .  4. Have Warm Clothing and Cold Weather Gear Farmers and their workers should take steps to stay warm, such as wearing warm clothing, taking frequent breaks to warm up and stay dry. Adding layers of clothing gives options as you warm up and cool off while working. You lose a lot of heat through your head in extreme cold. Wear headgear that covers your head, ears and provides protection for your face like a jacket with a hood. If possible, wear a water-resistant coat and boots. Insulated and heated clothing, gloves, socks and boots are options to consider and will help protect from hypothermia and frostbite. I’m from New Zealand so this “Kiwi” wears wool jumpers and socks in cold weather, as wool insulates even when wet. 10 Essential Pieces of Cold Weather Gear for Farmers 5. Under Equipment Differences  Another way in which cold weather can increase risk on the farm is by making it more difficult to operate equipment. Cold temperatures can cause equipment to be hard to start and ice plugs can form, thus making it difficult to operate equipment. Additionally, cold weather can cause batteries to lose power more quickly, making it difficult to keep equipment running. To mitigate these risks, farmers should take steps to protect their equipment from the cold, such as storing equipment in a warm, dry place and keeping equipment in good working order. Winter is an ideal time to inspect your equipment and perform maintenance.  In addition, farm equipment can become dangerous to operate during the winter in the ice and snow. Braking can become difficult, roads can be slick and traction can become sporadic. Further, loads can become unbalanced quickly. Pre-plan trips with equipment and make sure the weather conditions allow for safe travel and operation.  A farmer's job is never done. Make it a point to discuss risks on the farm during winter months to keep you, your family and workers safe. Additional Resources Winter and Cold Weather Safety Tips on the Farm  Preventing Cold-Related Illnesses in Agricultural Workers  Safe Equipment Operation During the Winter Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First" and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. 


29 Dec 2022

by FBN Network

This panel was originally presented live at Farmer2FarmerVI in Omaha, NE. Sign up to be first in line for Farmer2FarmerVII by clicking here.  Mental health on the farm requires attention, focus, destigmatization and effective strategies. What are farmers doing to manage stress and thrive in turbulent times? How do physical fitness and mental well being — and, ultimately, farm performance — connect? Watch this expert panel discussion and walk away with a new personal path forward. Featured Speakers:  Ashley Machado - MSW PPSC, Mental Health in Agriculture Coach Amanda Nigg - @FarmFitMomma , Farm Fitness Entrepreneur Jessica Groskopf - Extension Educator for Ag Economics at University of Nebraska - Lincoln Katie Hothem - Co-owner & co-operator of Rockin H Beef and Popcorn, NE Women in Ag Calli Thorne - Co-Owner at Triangle M Ranch & Feedlot, Mental Health Educator Impact of Mental Health on Ag Operations Does our mental health affect our leadership skills and in what way? Does our mental health affect our ability to be innovative on our operations?  How does that affect our ability to make money and grow our business? Impact of Physical Health on Mental Health  How does exercise affect and/or benefit our mental health? How long does it take to see the benefits in our mental health from exercise?  What are 2 things we can do physically to lower stress or improve mental health right away? Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Networks North Central: www.farmstress.org   Northeast: www.youngfarmers.org/cultivemos Western: www.farmstress.us   South: www.southernagexchange.com   Sign up to be first in line for Farmer2FarmerVII by clicking here.  Neither FBN nor its affiliates endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, opinion, product, or service referenced by third parties during Farmer2Farmer. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "F2F" are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


09 Dec 2022

by Mark Wilson

The final day of Farmer2FarmerVI started with another Crop Circles networking event. Farmers gathered over breakfast to discuss their operations with fellow network members.  Farmers came away from Crop Circles with some interesting takeaways and shared them with us on our Community Forums. A farmer from Indiana said, “There are a lot more opportunities with FBN® than originally thought.” Another farmer from Nebraska said he came away from Crop Circles, “Trying to understand synthetics and how capital funding could benefit me without interrupting my estate plan.” FBN Business Trainings  There were a number of business trainings explaining the wide range of products and financial services available from FBN and FBN® Finance: Crop Protection Lineup, Biologicals & Acre Pack Training Finance & Insurance Programs How to Become an FBN Community Builder Livestock & Livestock Insurance Seed & Seed Treatments Lineup 2023 Sustainability Programs & Contracts Field Trial Program 2023 Canadian Programs 2023 One of the highlights from these sessions came from the Crop Protection Lineup, Biologicals & Acre Pack Training. A few interesting takeaways to consider: 18 of the top 25 crop protection products in the U.S. will be FBN products by 2025. FBN is investing $50M in crop protection R&D in the next 3 years FBN Olympics The FBN Olympics saw stiff competition from many of our farmers and own employees. FBN Co-Founder Charles Baron stepped up to the plate to compete with the tire flip. Watch Charles have some fun flipping tires.  Fireside chat with FBN CEO & Co-Founder Amol Deshpande FBN CEO Amol Deshpande and Co-Founder Charles Baron end Farmer2FarmerVI with a discussion about the entrepreneurial mindset. Amol shared this piece of advice, "This is a message to anybody who’s out there running a company of any kind, you have to think about the organizations. But you have to have the courage to stay the course in the long term and not fall prey to short-term mindset. If you’re going to do that, then all those best laid plans go away." See what you missed Thank you for joining us in Omaha While Farmer2FarmerVI may be over, that doesn’t mean you can’t join us next year in Omaha on December 12-14, 2023 for Farmer2FarmerVII. [Click here to be the first in line to get tickets to Farmer2Farmer 2023] Become an FBN member Not an FBN member? Join a global network of farmers — 48,000+ strong and growing — who are already taking advantage of the opportunity to reduce their cost of production and maximize the value of their crops.  [Become an FBN member today] Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


08 Dec 2022

by Mark Wilson

Day 2 of Farmer2FarmerVI kicked off with another session of Crop Circles as farmers gathered to enjoy breakfast and network with one another. FBN® Co-Founder Charles Baron kicked off the morning with an intro speech detailing the power of the FBN network and how profitability is at the front and center of what FBN is doing.  “Profitability is always our focus. Our focus is building a platform network to make you more successful on the farm,” said Baron. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack sent a brief video to address the crowd at Farmer2Farmer discussing how the current administration is meeting the needs of farmers. Jocko Willink Keynote speaker Jocko Willink gave an impassioned and energetic talk about his time as a U.S. Navy SEAL in Iraq. Jocko’s 20 years experience in the SEAL Teams led him to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams after returning from Iraq. He is also the co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win as well as the host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast . Jocko co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company upon retiring from the NAVY. With his combat experience and knowledge, he now teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win.  Jocko explained that the only way to take extreme ownership of your destiny is to embrace it. “If you start to take ownership with what’s going on in your world, other people will start to take ownership as well. And it will spread to everyone on your team.” FBN 2023 Announcements Charles Baron took the stage to talk about the future of FBN and how our farmer network is democratizing information and commerce. It all comes down to maximizing profit potential. FBN exists to create a better ROI for your operation.  Getting Back in the Black This year’s theme for Farmer2Farmer was Back in the Black. We know that operational discipline equals freedom.Taking ownership requires having accurate analytics.Charles walked through some of the free tools available to FBN members with our fully integrated platform. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free.) Lunch and learn sessions Lunch and learn sessions were enjoyed by all with topics covering land value outlooks, estate planning, risk management and an Executive Fireside Chat with ADM’s John Grossmann and FBN CEO Amol Deshpande.  Farmer panels The afternoon consisted of a number of farmer panels covering: Seed trends for 2023 Input supply chain outlook for 2023 Precision livestock management Farming in the age of social media Global grain markets outlook for 2023 And there were many more panels for farmers to attend.  Happy hour Farmers, industry professionals and exhibitors alike stayed energized with Happy Hour. Farmers took a moment to enjoy food and cold beverages during a break before Peter Zeihan hit the main stage as the final keynote speaker of Farmer2FarmerVI. Peter Zeihan As a geopolitical strategist, Peter Zeihan helps people better understand how the world works. Peter took the audience through a deep dive of the Ukraine-Russia war and how it’s affecting agriculture not only in Eastern Europe but on a global level. Beyond agriculture, Zeihan theorizes that Germany and China’s economic systems are set to decline within the next decade. “With the absence of Germany and China as economic powers, we are going to double the size of the industrial plant. And if we pull that off, all of our manufacturers will be made here with shorter, simpler, supply chains that use less water and less energy that employ people from North America that sell to the people of North America. These people are broadly immune to international shocks but it’s a steep road to get there. But it will also generate the fastest economic growth in the history of Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the greatest story of our country’s history. This is a good story.” See what you missed Stay tuned for more coverage of Farmer2FarmerVI over the next few days as we recap each day of the event. Join us in Omaha for Day 3 There’s still time to join us for the last day of Farmer2Farmer! Register here for event admission tickets - free for FBN members - and we’ll see you in Omaha. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free before registering for the event.) Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


07 Dec 2022

by Mark Wilson

3,000+ farmers from across the country and Canada converged on the CHI Health Center in Omaha for the first day of Farmer2Farmer VI. After being away for a few years, we’re back, bigger, better and bolder than ever! FBN® University Day 1 saw the introduction of FBN University with a number of educational seminars covering all aspects of farming and agriculture from livestock to finance to agronomy. Tradeshow Our tradeshow also kicked off with industry trendsetters and all the latest tech, products and offerings from the FBN network. We also have plenty of FBN merchandise available so grab something while it’s still available. Crop Circles Farmers also participated in Crop Circles and heard from keynote speaker and legendary free climber Alex Honnold later in the evening. Crop Circles connect farmers with other farmers to share their experiences and ideas. With topics ranging from production practices to candid conversations, Crop Circles help farmers build community with other members across the FBN network. It was incredible to see more than 3,000 farmers in attendance at tonight’s opening session. We asked farmers participating in Crop Circles what the biggest takeaway from day 1 of Farmer2Farmer was: A farmer from East Central, KS told us, “It was absolutely fascinating how many of the same issues both the USA and Canada are facing!” And a farmer from Arkansas told us, “I have missed out big time on the previous #F2F events!” Welcome Session FBN Co-Founder Charles Baron kicked off the evening sessions with a welcome speech to lay the foundation for what’s to come at Farmer2FarmerVI. After a brief introductory speech, Charles welcomed Alex Honnold to the stage to share his story. And it was a keynote that did not disappoint.  Keynote Speaker: Alex Honnold “​​You just have to prepare and work hard enough to expand your comfort zone to face your fears.” That’s a quote from legendary free climber Alex Honnold who kicked off Day 1 with an inspiring story of courage, determination and how risk management can play into every aspect of life. He shared stories of his journey to make Free Solo and how it taught him to continue to challenge himself even in the most fearful situations.  But despite all of Alex’s accomplishments, he was amazed at the size and enormity of the crowd at FarmerFarmerVI. “I have to be honest, I’ve never seen so many farmers. I’ve never seen a room this big or anything quite like this. It’s slightly intimidating. I can’t get over this audio and mic. I feel like I’m Beyoncé. I feel like I should start dancing.”  See what you missed Stay tuned for more coverage of Farmer2FarmerVI over the next few days as we recap each day of the event. Join us in Omaha There’s still time to join us this week! Register here for event admission tickets - free for FBN members - and we’ll see you in Omaha. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free before registering for the event.) Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  


05 Dec 2022

by FBN Network

Farmer2FarmerVI begins in Omaha, Nebraska tomorrow morning at the CHI Health Center! Amid volatile global energy prices, difficult agronomic growing conditions, the widespread impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other global issues, farmers are facing a number of unprecedented challenges this year. Farmer2FarmerVI , FBN®’s global conference for ag professionals, is themed around “Back in the Black” for its sixth annual event this year.  Focused on how to adapt, manage, and thrive, this year’s event will be a three day immersive experience for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural professionals. With insightful educational sessions, expert presentations, networking and business opportunities, inspirational keynote speakers, trade show demonstrations, and more, attendees will learn how to enhance the profit potential of their operations this year and in the unpredictable months ahead.  [READ: 5 Reasons to Attend Farmer2FarmerVI] The power of FBN is truly in its network. Our company has always been about the world’s most innovative farmers coming together to share their insights and knowledge to lead to better optimized, more successful, more sustainable farm performance. The annual Farmer2Farmer event is truly where that mission comes to life. This year, the event stands to be even bigger and better than any before.  There’s still time to join us this week! Register here for event admission tickets - free for FBN members - and we’ll see you in Omaha tomorrow. (Not an FBN member? Click here to become an FBN member for free before registering for the event.) Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


01 Dec 2022

by FBN Network

With next week’s Farmer2FarmerVI (F2F) quickly approaching, it’s time to start packing and getting everything you need ready for a productive and successful time at the show.  [ Not registered yet? There’s still time to get your free tickets for Farmer2FarmerVI! Click here to register now. ] Plus — new this year — you can earn FBN ® Bucks for getting business done at the annual show!* Review our checklist below to see what materials and paperwork you should plan to bring in order to make the most out of your time at F2F and earn FBN Bucks that can be put toward FBN swag and other exciting FBN rewards.  Get ready for Farmer2Farmer 2022 by preparing the materials you need to:  1. Secure Financing  What to Do  Apply for an FBN Finance operating line or input financing   Apply for an FBN Finance farm land loan  What to Bring Entity tax ID number, total asset values and liability amount, annual income (farm and non-farm)  Balance sheet, 1 year of tax returns, operation details, land breakdown, available collateral information  2. Optimize Your Insurance  What to Do  Have an FBN Crop Insurance consultation  Have an FBN Livestock Insurance consultation  Apply for FBN Health coverage What to Bring Schedule of insurance or 10 year APH Entity tax identification number 3. Manage Risk and Opportunity  What to Do  Sign up for a sustainability program Get local bids and connect to buyers Get a Visual Risk Matrix Analysis What to Bring Current acreage details of corn/soybeans Your mobile phone Details of production, crop mix, insurance, cash contracts and brokerage positions  4. Consult a Beef Nutritionist What to Do  Utilize the feed savings calculator Complete a feed consult worksheet Schedule a vet consult What to Bring Information regarding current diet ingredients and inclusion rates Herd information and target growth rates Information illustrating your current feed costs There’s still time to get your free tickets for Farmer2FarmerVI! Click here to register now.  [ Still curious about the show? Here are 5 reasons to attend Farmer2FarmerVI. ] *Terms & conditions apply. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “FBN”, and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


30 Nov 2022

by FBN Network

Farmer2Farmer is back in just a few short weeks in Omaha, Nebraska from December 6th - 8th. [ Learn more about Farmer2Farmer VI . We look forward to seeing you in Omaha!] This year’s theme is Back in the Black which means getting farmers back to profitability or staying there if your operation is already profitable. It’s all about doing it sustainably which is what FBN® exists to do. We help you focus on your bottom line and give you as many tools as possible to farm profitably.  This is the first Farmer2Farmer since 2019 and we’re excited to be back with all of our farmer members. This year we’ll be joined by over 3,000 farmers from across the USA, Canada and Australia.  By attending Farmer2Farmer, you’ll not only have an opportunity to network with some of the leading producers in Ag, you’ll take home knowledge that will ultimately benefit your operation.  Here’s what to expect if you’ve never attended Farmer2Farmer: New this year: FBN University FBN University starts on December 6 at 1 pm CT so be sure to arrive early. Attend educational seminars to learn more about all aspects of farming and agriculture.  Livestock University  These seminars will feature educational trainings from our expert veterinarians, nutritionists, insurance and biosecurity experts aimed at Cow-Calf, Feedlot and Dairy and Swine producers. Farm Finance University Learn more about purchasing and trends around farmland from FBN® Finance experts. You’ll also learn about risk management, insurance and the latest research and data from the FBN network. Agronomy University Learn more about biologicals and seed selection and placement from our expert agronomists.  New: NASA Harvest and Climate Summit FBN is partnering with NASA to look at the effects of climate change on agriculture, what’s happening with the climate and the risks it will present to producers in the near future. You won’t want to miss this exciting and informative summit on Tuesday, December 6.  [Looking for a reason to attend? You really only need one, but here are 5 reasons why you should attend Farmer2Famer VI ] Crop Circles Crop Circles are a fun way to take a breather after harvest this year to connect and network with fellow producers and leading experts from around the world. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones as you talk about your strategies for 2023. Keynote speakers Alex Honnold One of the world’s experts on risk management, Alex Honnold is the only human to free solo El Capitan, Yosemite’s 3000 foot rock monolith without a rope!  Jocko Willink Jocko Willink is a podcaster, thought leader and author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Land and Win. You won’t want to miss his leadership and management strategies.  Peter Zeihan Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist and critically acclaimed author. He works with Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, policy makers and government agencies to better understand geography, democracy, energy and trade.  [Learn more about the Farmer2Farmer keynote speakers and what you can expect from them in Omaha] Business Training On Day 3 of F2F, we’ll be focused on a series of business trainings with FBN and our partners. There will be sessions covering: Crop Marketing Crop Protection Finance Insurance Livestock Seed Sustainability Programs Not only will you be able to get work done at the event, you’ll be able to lay out your 2023 plan with these productive training sessions. Trade Show Our trade show will feature dozens of partners showcasing products and all things Ag related at the event.  Whether you’re looking to speak to a nutritionist or veterinarian, learn more about crop insurance, risk management or take care of your financing needs, all of your needs will be covered at Farmer2Farmer.  For regenerative growers, we’ll be announcing all sustainability programs and contracts that you won’t want to miss.  You’ll be able to take advantage of deals and discounts from FBN while at the event to capture great savings for your operation and go into the holidays with a little less to worry about. Get your tickets today Farmer2Farmer is bigger, better and bolder than ever. Get your tickets today. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


23 Nov 2022

by FBN Network

With Farmer2Farmer returning this year , we’re looking to bring it back bigger, better and bolder than ever. “Back in the Black” is all about adapting, managing and thriving.  This three day immersive experience will focus on performance, psychology, networking, training sessions, business opportunities, and partnerships that will help drive potential farm profitability for 2023.  This year, we have 3 exciting keynote speakers that will bring a wealth of knowledge to our farmer members. Learn more about Jocko Willink, Alex Honnold and Peter Zeihan before attending the event. You won’t want to miss their keynote presentations! [ Learn more about Farmer2FarmerVI . We look forward to seeing you in Omaha!] About Jocko Willink Jocko Willink is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win , co-author of The Dichotomy of Leadership , host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast , and Co-Founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer, leadership instructor, speaker and strategic advisor. Jocko spent 20 years in the SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer.  As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the U.S. Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city.  Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko Willink returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams.  There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.  Jocko Willink is the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and numerous other personal and unit awards. Upon retiring from the Navy, Jocko Willink co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company , where he teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win.  Jocko also authored the Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual , a New York Times Bestseller, and the best selling Way of the Warrior Kid children’s book series. About Alex Honnold The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000 foot rock monolith, El Capitan–no rope, climbing alone. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done.  His extremely rare skill, unmatched mental focus, and unique future vision about the sport of climbing means that he is (almost) from another universe. Beyond his 2017 history-making ascent of El Cap, dramatically documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo , Alex is simply one of the hardest working, certainly most accomplished, and greatest climbers to ever live.  His feats have blown the doors wide open on the sport of climbing, placing him in front of mainstream media like 60 Minutes and The New York Times, and on the cover of National Geographic.  Thanks to Alex, most folks in America know about what once was a niche sport but is now a multi-billion dollar industry.  Humble and self-effacing, he is deeply appreciative of the position he holds in culture and uses it for the greater good. In 2012, Alex founded the Honnold Foundation , an environmental non-profit that provides grants to organizations advancing solar energy access all over the world. Its vision is simple: to improve lives and reduce environmental impact.  In 2021 alone, the Honnold Foundation supported 44 communities across 17 countries, all focused on community-centered innovation catalyzed by solar energy.  Host of the wildly successful Climbing Gold Podcast , Alex is a sharp listener and talented conversationalist who loves exploring the fringe, dirtbag stories of climbing culture that originally drew him to the sport.  Despite numerous high profile sponsors and his continued skyrocketing success, he likes to live as simply as possible with his wife Sanni and their daughter June, whether that is out of their van or at their home in the foothills of Red Rocks, Nevada. Both out-of-this-world star and down-to-earth humble, Alex is truly the world ambassador of the sport of climbing for this generation. About Peter Zeihan Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist, which is a fancy way of saying he helps people understand how the world works. Peter combines an expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security to help clients best prepare for an uncertain future. Over the course of his career, Peter has worked for the US State Department in Australia, the DC think tank community, and helped develop the analytical models for Stratfor, one of the world’s premier private intelligence companies.  Peter founded his own firm — Zeihan on Geopolitics — in 2012 in order to provide a select group of clients with direct, custom analytical products. Today those clients represent a vast array of sectors including energy majors, financial institutions, business associations, agricultural interests, universities and the U.S. military.  With a keen eye toward what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, his irreverent approach transforms topics that are normally dense and heavy into accessible, relevant takeaways for audiences of all types. Peter is a critically-acclaimed author whose first two books — The Accidental Superpower and The Absent Superpower — have been recommended by Mitt Romney, Fareed Zakaria and Ian Bremmer. His third title, Disunited Nations: The Scramble for Power in an Ungoverned World was published in November 2019. Get your tickets today Farmer2Farmer is bigger, better and bolder than ever. Get your tickets today.  Join Jocko Willink, Alex Honnold and Peter Zeihan and farmers across North America and Australia for Farmer2Farmer VI on December 6-8 in Omaha, NE! Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.


21 Nov 2022

by FBN Network

Farmer2FarmerVI , FBN®’s global conference for ag professionals, is themed around optimizing the potential ROI of your Ag operation and the idea of being “Back in the Black” for its sixth annual event this year. With three days packed full of insightful educational sessions, expert presentations, networking and business opportunities, inspirational keynote speakers, trade show demonstrations, and more, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than previous years.  Keep reading for a preview of some of the most anticipated sessions at Farmer2Farmer 2022.  Day 1: FBN University Training Sessions Livestock University Cow-Calf, Swine & Dairy, and Feedlot sessions will feature in-depth educational training with our expert veterinarians, nutritionists, insurance and biosecurity experts.  Farm Finance University  Aimed at helping you up your game as farm CEO with more advanced tactics, these sessions will include presentations from FBN experts on risk management, insurance, and farmland insights drawing from the latest research and data from the FBN network. Climate in Ag Summit with NASA Harvest With three overarching sessions on themes including “How to Maintain Farm Profitability Despite Weather Volatility” and “How to Prepare Your Operation for a Changing Climate,” the Summit will explore the critical role farmer engagement plays in shaping the frontier of today’s digital agricultural revolution. Featured speakers from NASA Harvest, FBN , farming and ranching operations, and other groups will also discuss how to assess the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and the business case for adopting more data-driven conservation practices across your farming operation without sacrificing long-term profitability.  [READ: 5 Reasons to Attend Farmer2Farmer 2022] Day 2: Insightful Panels and Presentations Biologicals: Do They Work? What Farmers Need to Know While once considered just an option for organics, biologicals are now mainstream in both conventional and organic operations. This session will offer the latest insights on the state of biologicals, show you how to determine if biological products could help your operation, and highlight which biological products producers are finding success with.  Farm Bill: Show Me the Money The Farm Bill has been the main policy vehicle for farmers and rural America, but has its impact shifted in light of recent developments? Distinguished farm policy leaders will delve into whether the Farm Bill offers support or potential resolution for critical issues like input pricing, supply chain disruptions, labor and immigration, environmental regulations, and water access. Seed Trends for 2023 When it's time to order seed, why are you choosing the seeds you’re purchasing? For most growers, the answer to that question has become quite complex. Join us as our featured agronomic speakers discuss which trends and innovations in the seed world they think about heading into the next planting season — from hybrids to traits to treatments. Financial Management: Cash Flow in a High Interest Rate Environment As interest rates continue to rise, it’s important to review your cash flow and management strategies. Hear what our panelists have to say about short-term operating lines or long-term debt strategies and refinancing options in order to secure better rates and put your operation in the best position. Implementing & Monetizing Regenerative Ag: Successes and Failures Conservation practices can have major benefits on the long term health and profitability of your farm. In this session, our featured speakers will honestly discuss both their wins and losses in implementing and monetizing regenerative practices in their operations. Want to Start Farming? The Most Innovative Strategies from Startup Farmers Hear from the next generation of farmers about how they leverage online platforms to get started and cement their unique place in farming.  Canadian Market Outlook 2023 A huge 2022 harvest following last year’s drought-induced short crop has produced a record-breaking harvest in Canada. Hear from commodity experts and producer specialists as they share their lessons learned from the rebound harvest of ‘22, the conditions that will or have already impacted ‘23, and what producers across the country need to know about next year’s market. Data Science in Agriculture What is data science, and how can it benefit your farm? A perennial Farmer2Farmer favorite, this talk has historically helped thousands of producers better understand how to leverage data on their operations. Listen to FBN ’s Data Science leaders as they walk through the basics of statistical analysis, the benefits of data-driven decision making, and the insights and tools that FBN has developed to give you a unique advantage in your operation. Day 3: FBN Business Trainings Learn about a range of products and financial services available through FBN and FBN Finance, including:  Crop Protection Lineup, Biologicals & Acre Pack Training Finance & Insurance Programs How to Become an FBN Community Builder Livestock & Livestock Insurance Seed & Seed Treatments Lineup 2023 Sustainability Programs & Contracts Field Trial Program 2023 Canadian Programs 2023 Click here to get access to these insightful, expert-led sessions by registering for free tickets to Farmer2FarmerVI today. Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “FBN”, and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. 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