Kearney conferences address ag and wine industries

With the leadership changes in our nation's capital, farmers and ranchers here at home will feel the effects. To prepare for the changes local farmers and producers met for the Governor's Ag Conference.

The theme for this year's conference is "Nebraska Agriculture in an Era of Change."

Guest speakers talked about the agricultural changes on the national and state level.

Governor Dave Heineman said with the tough economic times it is more important than ever that the industry does well.

"It is key to our economic success. One of the reasons that we are one of the few states not in a fiscal crisis is the strength of our agriculture sector," said Heineman.

The keynote speaker was former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative Clayton Yeutter.

He is originally from Nebraska and served under the Reagan administration.

Another conference taking place right next door featured another one of Nebraska's growing industries. That is the wine and grape business.

It is the 12th year The Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association has hosted this.

Many of Thursday's events featured sessions for those looking to get into the industry.

They include classes on grape growing in Nebraska and starting a wine making business.

The conference gives entrepreneurs a great place to network between the 2 industries.

"The Nebraska Farm Wineries Act requires 75% of a farm winery's wines to be made from Nebraska grown product. Which means when you are buying a Nebraska wine, you are getting a Nebraska wine," said UNL Professor of Viticulture Paul E. Read.

The conference runs through Saturday, hitting more topics like hosting a wine tastings and marketing your business.