GFM’s Jeffrey Hignight and Ted Glaub recently attended the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) Annual Conference held Oct. 30 – Nov. 2 in Chandler, Arizona.
The main highlight was visiting the Quarter Circle U Ranch located in the Superstition Mountains. The owner, Dr. Chuck Backus, spent 36 years in education and, as a solar energy specialist, has converted his ranch to running completely off the electric grid. The retired nuclear engineer, who also holds a PhD, has applied his education and research career to experimenting, innovating and improving his beef herd and market. Dr. Backus uses artificial insemination and transports feeders to a feedlot in Oklahoma where he receives a premium price.
The conference featured several interesting presentations, including a new technology review by Ag Innovations, an update on farm policy and trade, how to communicate across generations, China as the leading trade partner to US agriculture and the US economic outlook. Most of these presentations may be downloaded from the ASFMRA website.
ASFRMA is the premier organization of rural property professionals focused on advancing the standards of the disciplines represented through an unparalleled level of expertise and integrity. Both Hignight and Glaub are Accredited Farm Managers through ASFMRA and volunteer on the local and national organizational level.
