By PATTI DUGAN

Today’s farmers, like generations of producers before them, spend every minute of the day (24/7) dedicated to keeping things running smoothly on the farm. Farm Bureau hopes to show them that agriculture needs them “beyond the fence” as well. That is the goal of the leadership conference sponsored by New York Farm Bureau scheduled for March 16-17 at the Carrier Circle Holiday Inn in Syracuse, New York.

During the two-day conference, the next generation of agricultural leaders will learn how to be effective advocates for agriculture, understand important aspects of farm transfer from generation to generation, and gain knowledge about alternative energy options. A session conducted by Betty Wolanyk, American Farm Bureau’s director of education and research, will focus on how to address misconceptions about agriculture. Participants will also get updates on New York Farm Bureau’s priority issues for 2007. The featured speaker at dinner on Friday night will be Senator David Valesky, a dedicated friend of agriculture in the New York State Legislature.

The goal of the conference is to provide timely information on issues and trends that affect farm businesses as well as provide opportunities for networking with peers from across New York. For more information or to register for the conference, call 800-342-4143.