Thriving. Uncertain Times. November 9 10, th AnnuAl FArmer CooperAtives ConFerenCe. St. Paul, Minnesota. Crowne Plaza St.

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1 12th AnnuAl FArmer CooperAtives ConFerenCe Thriving in Uncertain Times November 9 10, 2009 St. Paul, Minnesota Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront Presented by: University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives

2 Thri For over a decade, the agricultural cooperative community has looked to the Farmer Cooperatives Conference as a source for innovative thinking about current cooperative issues and trends. The conference provides a stimulating forum to learn and exchange ideas with CEOs, cooperative directors, and others doing business with agricultural cooperatives. Uncer in Tim Conference Supporters Star Partners ($10,000 and above) CoBank Conference Partners ($5,000 $9,999) CHS Farm Foundation Program Sponsors ($2,000 $4,999) Dorsey and Whitney LLP Land O Lakes Lindquist & Vennum PLLP General Sponsors ($1,000 $1,999) Growmark, Inc. West Central Cooperative Contributors (Under $1,000) Clifton Gunderson LLP NCFC Education Foundation Stoel Rives LLP The Cooperative Foundation Thank you to the Ralph K. Morris Foundation for supporting the dinner and presentation. The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives is an interdisciplinary center that combines the resources of the University of Wisconsin Madison and the University of Wisconsin Extension to foster understanding about cooperatives.

3 ving 12th AnnuAl FArmer CooperAtives ConFerenCe Thriving in Uncertain Times November 9 10, 2009 St. Paul, Minnesota How can agricultural cooperatives navigate today s economic uncertainties without losing sight of tomorrow s opportunities? The 12th Annual Farmer Cooperatives Conference will explore issues such as: Risk and uncertainty Volatility characterizes every aspect of agribusiness, from input costs to market demand. Learn how flexible strategies for planning and risk management can buffer the uncertainty of changing business conditions. tain es Changing market demand Consumer preferences are changing, and the economic downturn is affecting household decisions. Understanding shifts in consumer demand can lead to an effective marketplace response. Energy Climate-change legislation will affect agricultural practices and priorities. Understanding changes in energy policy can create opportunities for cooperatives. Capitalization challenges Hear how innovative equity and financial management programs might capitalize new venture opportunities. Don t miss your opportunity to be part of this important event!

4 Thri 2009 program schedule Monday, November 9, a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast 8 9:30 a.m. The Economic Climate The worldwide economic outlook, with a focus on agriculture. Uncer in Tim Terry Barr, Senior Director of Industry Research, CoBank a.m. Managing Risk Forecasting and managing the risks associated with an uncertain economy. Brandy Sargent, Attorney, Stoel Rives LLP Marshall Bohbrink, Vice President of Risk Management & Treasurer, Growmark, Inc. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. Capital and Credit Market Update Antony Bahr, Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets Division, CoBank 12 1 p.m. LUnCh 1 3 p.m. Markets, Food and the Economy Changes in the economy have brought changes in consumer perceptions. How can businesses incorporate sustainability into their corporate vision? Frank Bragg, CEO, MBG Marketing David Darr, Vice President, Sustainability & Public Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America (Invited) Michael L. Cook, Professor, University of Missouri 3:30 5 p.m. Focus on Energy: Energy Policy and the Cap-and-Trade System What s ahead in energy policy? How can cooperatives respond successfully? Dave Ladd, Manager of Government Affairs, AgriBank, FCB David Miller, Chief Science Officer, AgraGate Climate Credits Corporation

5 ving thriving in uncertain times 5:30 6:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Presentation Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture (Invited) Sponsored by the Ralph K. Morris Foundation Tuesday, November 10, 2009 tain es 8 9:30 a.m. Focus on Energy: Using Biomass for Fuel Opportunities and challenges in the biomass supply chain. Randy Kyle, Kyle Consulting Group Wallace Tyner, Professor, Purdue University Larry Johnson, Business Development Consultant for Inbicon A/S 10 11:30 a.m. Perspectives on Cooperative Finance Challenges in initiating new equity, financing, and capitalization programs for strategic ventures. 11:30 a.m. Wrap-up Mike Bedessem, Chief Financial Officer, Organic Valley Paul Stajduhar, Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Ocean Spray For questions about the conference program, contact: Anne Reynolds, Assistant Director UW Center for Cooperatives atreynol@wisc.edu

6 Thri For conference updates, visit the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives website: Conference Accommodations in Tim Conference attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Contact the Crowne Plaza St. Paul at , or For additional hotel information, visit: The special conference room rate is $124 per night for single or double occupancy, plus 13% tax. It is available for a limited number of reservations made on or before October 19, Refer to Farmer Co-op NCERA when contacting the hotel. Uncer Parking is available at the hotel on a first-come, first-served basis in the ramp attached to the hotel for a fee of $14/day. The hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport (MSP). SuperShuttle service is available for $14 from the airport (supershuttle.com). Taxi fares are approximately $30 from the airport to the hotel. Consider participating in the NCERA 210 workshop, immediately following the Farmer Cooperatives Conference. NCERA 210 Workshop November 10 11, 2009 Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront, St. Paul, MN NCERA-210 is a regional research project that promotes and coordinates research and educational activities that focus on agricultural cooperatives. It also provides a forum for decision-makers and analysts from industry, government, and universities to distribute and discuss research results and their implications. For more information, or to register for the NCERA 210 workshop, visit

7 ving 12th Annual Farmer Cooperative Conference Registration Register online: For registration questions or to request a mail-in registration form, call CALS Conference Services, Register by October 9 for the full conference to take advantage of the Early Registration Rate. REGISTRATIOn FEES (Fees are at last year s levels to keep your costs down.) EARLY REGISTRATIOn REGULAR RATE RATE Full Conference/november 9 10 $340/person $385/person $310/person $340/person (2 or more) (2 or more) tain es Includes continental breakfast, lunch, social hour and banquet on the 9th, continental breakfast on the 10th and breaks. november 9 Includes continental breakfast, lunch and breaks. november 9 Social hour & Banquet november 10 half Day Includes continental breakfast and breaks. Scholarship Information Through the generous support of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, a limited number of scholarships are available to: those needing financial assistance to attend the Farmer Cooperatives Conference; or graduate students and assistant professors who wish to attend both the Farmer Cooperatives Conference and the NCERA 210 workshop. Contact the Ralph K. Morris Foundation (ralphkmorrisfoundation.org) for more information. Register by OCTOBER 9 for Early Discount! $250/person $25/person $135/person Please note that registration refunds cannot be made for cancellations received after October 26, Substitute registrations are accepted. Wisconsin and Minnesota Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are available to lawyers attending the entire conference (CLE requests pending).

8 427 Lorch Street Madison, WI