The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host a free Illinois Livestock Symposium, Feb. 14, 2013, in an effort to continue to provide support to the state's animal agriculture industry.
The event, which will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield, Ill., is funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, and will focus on important issues livestock producers face every day within their operations.

"Animal agriculture is the number one customer for Illinois soybean farmers, and we want to help provide support to ensure the future of the industry," says Ron Kindred, soybean farmer from Atlanta, Ill., and ISA Marketing Committee chair. "This event will offer information and guidance on some of the key issues facing livestock producers."

The day will be filled with interactive sessions led by industry experts around the topics of Illinois regulations, recruiting employees, crisis management, business planning, disease control and nutrition. Featured speakers include Jake Nims, Frank & West Environmental Engineers; Brad Beaver, Illinois Department of Agriculture; Joe Miller, Rose Acre Farms; Anna Ruman, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Dwight Raab, Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association; Ken Koelkebeck, University of Illinois Extension poultry specialist; and others. The symposium will kick off at 8:30 a.m. To register or for more information, please visit www.illivestocksymposium.com.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 45,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.

2.04.2013