Session 4 Presentations

4A. Steps to a Performing Farm Family
Location: McDowell 
Presenters: Glenn Newdigger, Mark Ploger and Katelyn Barthol, K-State Research and Extension

For a farm family to work effectively it must become a Performing Organization. Only when we work as a true performing organization can we face and honestly solve the difficult issues a farm family faces. There are four distinct steps to a performing organization - Gathering, Chaos, Unity, and Performing. To develop a farm family the group must go through these steps.These steps apply to all groups, from committees to boards to companies to families.

4B. Biodiesel and Ethanol: What You Need to Know About Alternative Fuels
Location: Tuttle
Presenter: Ed Brokesh, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University

Biofuels are made from common ag crops that are grown throughout the state of Kansas.  The use of biofuels benefits all of agriculture as well as the state of Kansas. Biofuels are in almost every gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel sold in the state of Kansas. These biofuels are made to strict standards and have been tried and tested in most engines used in Kansas.  Yet, fuel consumers, urban and rural alike, are often hesitant to use them. This presentation will address common concerns about the use of ethanol and biodiesel.  It will also provide some basic background information about conventional petroleum fuels that most users of fuel are unaware of.

4C.  Social Secuirty: With You Through Life's Journey
Location: Konza Prairie
Presenter: Jenee Hopper, Social Security Administration

This presentation should educate participants on the basics of Social Security eligibility, entitlement, and things to know when filing for benefits.

4D. Estate Planning for the Family Farm
Location: Kings
Presenter: Stacey Seibel, Seibel Law Office, LLC

Family farms are unique when it comes to estate planning. Out of interest or necessity, many farm children leave the farm. The children who remain on the farm undertake risks and responsibilities that the non-farm children do not share. A good estate plan should provide for equitable treatment of farm and non-farm heirs. The longterm success of the farm and farm heirs depends on how well farm parents plan for the transfer. If you leave it up to your children, you’re leaving everything to chance.

4E. Being Effective when Working with Elected and Government Officials
Location: Alcove
Panel Presenters: Katie Sawyer, Sawyer Land and Cattle and district director for Representative Roger Marshall; Barb Downey, Downey Ranch and Kansas Livestock Association president elect; Janet Bailey, legislative officer for Frontier Farm Credit

Family farms are unique when it comes to estate planning. Out of interest or necessity, many farm children leave the farm. The children who remain on the farm undertake risks and responsibilities that the non-farm children do not share. A good estate plan should provide for equitable treatment of farm and non-farm heirs. The longterm success of the farm and farm heirs depends on how well farm parents plan for the transfer. If you leave it up to your children, you’re leaving everything to chance.