The rich history of Omaha, Nebraska served as the setting for the 34^th annual conference of the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists (NAFBAS).  This year was also the first joint conference with the National Farm and Ranch Business Management Educator’s Association (NFRBMEA).  Iowa Farm Business Association consultants attended this professional development event , which started off with a panel discussion detailing the likenesses and differences of the two groups meeting for the first time.

Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Swanson, Vice President and Ag Economist for Wells Fargo, gave insight to the group as to the importance of “Work the Best—Forget the Rest”, why smart operators curb their inherent need to own/operate all the possible acres they can.  Four NAFBAS members and two NFRBMEA members demonstrated their analysis programs and reports, explaining the important factors and comparisons each report provides their

farm clientele.  With all six using the same data, it also demonstrated some of the hurdles to overcome when thinking of producing a nationwide database.  Dr. Michael Duffy, Extension Economist in farm management at Iowa State University, gave a summary of the analysis and the necessary key factors in an analysis.

Wednesday’s session started off with breakouts, NFRBMEA’s Exchange of Ideas, where five members demonstrated useful tools they have put together to serve their farm clientele’s needs.  NAFBAS had two members demonstrate their tax management tools they use in year end tax planning.  The day’s joint session then commenced with Roger McEowen, Associate Professor in Agricultural Law at Iowa State University, discussing with the group the important tax implications that will be affecting the farm community in the upcoming year.  The noon luncheon speaker was Dr. Douglas Hedley, a

private consultant and past Canadian Public Service in Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, who spoke on “The Canadian Experience with Whole Farm Programming”.

Wednesday afternoon members enjoyed a tour of the Oxbow Pet Company, a specialized hay processing plant, and the Claas manufacturing plant where they were assembling combine heads.  An eventful day ended with a visit to Omaha’s famous Henry Doorly Zoo.

Thursday kicked off with the ever popular NFRBMEA Storytelling Breakfast.  Keynote speaker Elwynn Taylor, Professor of Ag Meteorology at Iowa State University, then gave his colorful insight to the country’s weather patterns.

Over 200 staff and family attended the 2006 conference.  The 2007 event will be held in Rochester, MN.  Members of NAFBAS and NFRBMEA serve more than 40,000 farm families in the areas of accounting, tax management and business analysis. 

Mike Duffy, ISU Extension Economist

Roger McEowen, ISU Ag Law Professor

NAFBAS Consultant Group

Bob McHugh receives the President Plaque from president-elect Lynn Kopitzke (Wisconsin)

Kent Vickre, State Coordinator, presenting Iowa’s state report

IOWA HOSTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE