MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT |
|
|
| Dear ASAC Members, Spring is upon us with improved weather and longer days. For many of our members this is their busiest time of year, as we depart from tax season and head into planting season.
To help our members navigate and better understand the economic climate as changes evolve, we are having more topical conversations as to how tariffs are affecting our members' respective businesses. We plan to roll out discussions via ShopTalk and engage our presenters from last year’s annual conference. Please watch for updates via emails and our social media accounts, as we work to increase communication and engagement with our members. There is much excitement for our annual conference in Indianapolis with further details of the schedule to be released soon. Planning for our 2026 conference is already well underway. Please watch for registration information for the conference. As always, please reach out with any questions or thoughts to improve our member experience. David Mielnicki
president@agconsultants.org Standing Committees:
Membership – Ron Rabou - raboufarms@gmail.com Nominating – Keith Dickinson - keith.dickinson@farmcrediteast.com By-Laws – Keith Dickinson - keith.dickinson@farmcrediteast.com
Accreditation (CAC) Committee - Bill Zweigbaum - bill.zweigbaum@gmail.com Ethics and Grievance – Ethan Robertson - ethan.robertson@farmcrediteast.com Continuing Education – Scott Mickey - smickey@clemson.edu
Annual Meeting – Abigail Byerly - byerly@snowymountaindevelopment.com Finance – Keith Raynor - keith@trpsumner.com
Ad Hoc Committees Marketing and Promotion – Pete Weisenberger - peteweis846@gmail.com
Strategic Alliance Subcommittee – Norm Brown - norm@fbssystems.com |
|
|
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOTES, April 2025 |
|
|
Financial Report – Russell Morgan, CFO, & President's Report - David Mielnicki Considerable discussion about the rising costs of conferences, particularly for meals and AV equipment. Information was provided outlining the fees that have been in place since before COVID and the attendance numbers required to "break even" at that fee level in 2025.
Meetings Committee - Abigail Byerly, Chair Discussion on the 2025 Annual Conference included a revamp of the Sponsorship Program for this year, bus arrangements for the tours, and an increase is some conference fees. Also, the review of hotel properties for 2026 will take place May 7 to 10. Continuing Education Committee - Scott Mickey, Chair
The committee continues to review and send Notes from the Field. The next ShopTalk is scheduled for April 30. The topic is Generative AI and the discussion will be led by Russell Morgan. The next webinars is May 15. The topic, Common Traits of Highly Successful Farm Transitions, will be presented by Mike Downey. See more details on both education opportunities below. Next Board of Directors Meeting - May 20 - 11 a.m. CST (open to all members to listen in): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89918075286?pwd=LEUjUgLopYS47U3q6wNmIiJcqdYsTt.1 |
|
|
Upcoming ShopTalk and Webinar |
|
|
ShopTalk - Wednesday, April 30, 11:00 a.m. CDT MS 365 Copilot, AI Companion, Gemini Oh My!
Incorporating / Utilizing Generative AI in Your Ag Consulting Practice
Have you "dipped your toe into the Gen AI pool"? Do you have concerns: tool vs. crutch / ethical considerations / disclosure considerations . . . Make plans to join us as ASAC Member Russell Morgan leads a discussion about what WE should be focusing on introspectively in OUR businesses. Registration Link
Read more about this roundtable discussion at AgEXEC. ASAC member Warren Clark, editor and publisher of AgEXEC, invites members to receive AgEXEC e-news briefs at no charge. To become a subscriber, email Warren at agnewscenter@gmail.com.
Webinar - Thursday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. CDT
Common Traits of Highly Successful Farm Transitions
Join us to hear from ASAC Member Mike Downey, who leads the Succession Planning program for UnCommon Farms, a farmer-owned organization based in Brighton, Illinois. UnCommon Farms consults with farm businesses on 6 key areas: strategic planning, management/leadership, human resources/labor, financials, succession & risk management. Mike is passionate about helping other family farms and is a contributor to Farm Futures ' blog, ‘More than Dirt’ on anything related to family farm transitions. Registration Link
|
| |
|
Marketing & Promotion Committee
05/12/2025 |
Meeting Planning Committee
05/12/2025 |
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
05/20/2025 |
CNSLT 301 Continuing Education Course
05/20/2025 |
CNSLT 301 Continuing Education Course
05/22/2025 |
Marketing & Promotion Committee
06/09/2025 |
|
Meeting Planning Committee
06/09/2025 |
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
06/17/2025 |
Marketing & Promotion Committee
07/14/2025 |
Meeting Planning Committee
07/14/2025 |
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
07/15/2025 |
|
|
KEEP UP WITH THE ASAC BLOG |
|
|
IB'S INSIGHTFUL INTROSPECTIONS |
Ib Hagsten was a longtime member of ASAC who left a lasting legacy with our organization. It is impossible to replicate Ib's wit and down-to-earth observations. In his honor, we offer these words of wisdom...
The battles you thought would defeat you become the very proof that you're far stronger than you imagine. Vavu Poetry Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength to ensure that you do things differently from everyone else. Sara Blakely It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly. Isaac Asimov |
|
|
President Dave Mielnicki, ARA |
| President-Elect Abigail Byerly |
| Vice President & Secretary
Tony Ponzetti |
| Chief Financial Officer
Russell Morgan, CAC |
|
|
| Immediate Past President Keith Dickinson, CAC |
| Executive Director Jean L Merry |
|
|
|
Eastern Director Ethan Robertson, CAC |
|
Western Director Ron Rabou |
|
Northern Director Don Tyler |
|
Southern Director Scott Mickey |
|
|
|
