AgStar to Host GroundBreakers Conference February 26th – 27th
Educational Opportunity for Young, Beginning and Small Farmers

MANKATO, Minn. (January 12, 2010) – AgStar Financial Services is pleased to announce an upcoming educational event for young, beginning and small farmers. This two-day event features educational and motivational sessions including Dr. Edmond Seifried’s presentation, “The Economy in 2010: Recovery of More of the Same?”

The conference begins Friday, February 26th at 1:00 pm at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka, Minn. In addition to Seifried, Friday’s schedule features a panel discussion on the current economics of the swine, dairy and grain industries. The panel includes swine expert Mark Greenwood (VP Agribusiness Capital), dairy expert Greg Steele (VP Agribusiness Capital), and grain industry expert Tom Neher (VP Agribusiness). Following Friday’s presentations, attendees are invited to a dinner reception with entertainment.

Saturday’s agenda includes “Grain Marketing Economics” presented by Ed Usset, Grain Marketing Specialist from the Center for Farm Financial Management. Additionally, Dr. Dale Henry will provide attendees with some anti-stressing fun in his humorous session, “Glad to the Bone.”

The conference is offered free of charge to AgStar clients thanks to a generous grant from the AgStar Fund for Rural America. Cost to prospective clients is $100 per person, which includes meals and lodging costs or $50 per person without lodging accommodations. For more information or to register for the conference, please call 1-866-577-1831. Limited space is still available.

About AgStar’s GroundBreakers Program:
AgStar’s GroundBreakers program serves over 7,000 young, beginning or small farmers. The program provides ongoing access to credit, related services and outreach programs to qualified individuals. AgStar recognizes the following classifications for the purpose of the program: young – age 35 or younger, beginning – 10 years or less farming experience, and small – generating less than $250,000 in annual gross sales. Additionally, the program provides tuition assistance to producers enrolled in state Farm Business Management programs. For more information on AgStar’s GroundBreakers program visit AgStar.com.

Contact: Liz Tusa
                  Liz.Tusa@AgStar.com
                  507-345-5622

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