DEWITT – The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program is holding Agriculture’s Conference on the Environment January 28, which will take a four-issue approach to sensitive environmental issues.

Sponsored in part by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the conference themes include People, Planet, Power and Prosperity. The conference will feature 25 speakers in a dozen other concurrent workshops and will explore topics related to the themes, such as agricultural sustainability, bioeconomy, climate change, water use, alternative energy sources, conservation programs, techniques and MAEAP.

“The MAEAP is a coalition of farmers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies and conservation organizations who help educate farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks, while making sure they comply with state and federal regulations,” said Clark Gerstacker, CMPM president and a Midland corn farmer. “Farmers are the original stewards of the land and this conference serves as a good opportunity to learn more about the environmental issues currently affecting agriculture, and learn new ways to remain environmentally friendly.”

The conference will feature top agricultural experts including:

Thomas Christensen, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) �?? Conservation Assistance Programs Offered by NRCS

Todd Hesterman, Ohio Soil Conservation Service �?? Profitability, Conservation, and Technology

Dr. Chris Peterson, Michigan State University (MSU) �?? The Balance Necessary to Achieve Agricultural Sustainability

Dr. Janice Swanson, MSU �?? Creating Balanced Approaches in a Single-Issue World: Lessons from Animal Welfare

Dr. Kurt Thelen, MSU �?? Replacing Petroleum with Perennial and Annual Crops

“Through the MAEAP partnership, farmers have been able to gain valuable information regarding the environment,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, CMPM executive director. “The conference is another opportunity to learn how to reduce and eliminate environmental risks, helping farmers remain viable, while still protecting the environment.”

The price to attend is $50 and early registrations are due by January 19. After that date, the price increases to $75. Students with a valid student ID may register for $20. For more information, click on MAEAP.Org

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