Gene Hugoson Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, will be the featured speaker at the 22nd Annual Farm Forum Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Central Lakes College, Staples.

"Managing in Times of Economic Challenge- Current Issues in Agriculture" is the theme of this year's forum with several speakers scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Assembly Room at the college.

Hugoson will speak shortly after noon when the group breaks for lunch.

Other speakers and topics include:

o Keith Porter, Charles Mayer and Julie Nelson, accountants from Mayer, Porter, Beinhorn & Rowe, Ltd., with year end tax planning hints;

o A global ag outlook and how it impacts local producers by Dennis Walsh, regional president of First International Bank & Trust;

o Grain handling, drying and storage with Mark Ratajesak of B & M Dryer Service;

o Risk management resources with Bob Rick and Keith Olander, Farm Business Management instructors with CLC; and

o Opportunities in renewable energy with Bob Schafer, Central Lakes Ag Center director, and Anthony Hicks, Otter Tail Ag Enterprises.

First International Bank & Trust, one of the sponsors of the event, is hosting a free lunch Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture at noon. There will also be exhibits and raffle prizes.

Seating is limited so the public is encouraged to reserve a seat by calling 218-894-1522 or 800-950-1518.

The Farm Business Management program and Central Lakes College and Central Lakes Ag Center are co-sponsors of the event with First International Bank & Trust.

Gene Hugoson was first appointed Commissioner of Agriculture for Minnesota by Gov. Arne Carlson in 1995. He was reappointed by Gov. Jesse Ventura in 1999 and then by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2003 and 2007.

Hugoson and his wife Patricia operate a corn and soybean farm in Martin County along with his son Hon and daughter-in-law Jamie.

Hugoson served five terms in the Minnesota House, including four years as assistant minority leader. He served on agriculture, taxes, transportation and transit committees.

As commissioner, he has worked to strengthen Minnesota's value-added industries and international trade opportunities.

He chairs the Environmental Quality Board and in 2007 he became chair of the Next Gen Energy Board. He is also a past president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.