One of the biggest challenges for farmers, ranchers and other agribusinesses is finding the most effective way to hire, train and retain good employees, yet that's an area where there is little information available, said Kansas State University agricultural economist Sarah Fogleman.

To help agricultural producers meet the challenge, K-State Research and Extension will host the Employee Management for Production Agriculture Conference Jan. 23-24, 2003 at the Embassy Suites Hotel-Airport in Kansas City, Mo.

"Conference sessions will focus on topics with which agricultural managers struggle every day," said Fogleman, who coordinates the conference. "Issues such as leadership, communication and conflict resolution will take center stage, with timely topics such as improving professionalism, employee motivation, and managing the multi-cultural workforce being covered through 11 breakout sessions."

Several renowned government and university experts will speak, including Gregory Billikopf, University of California, whose teaching efforts have focused on such topics as employee selection, compensation and supervision; and Bernard Erven, Ohio State University, whose extension and outreach program focuses on hiring, training, motivation, compensation and performance.

Last year's conference drew 160 participants from 18 states and all types and sizes of agricultural operations, Fogleman said. Participants come from small and large operations, including dairies, grain production farms, cattle feedlots, swine operations, horticulture and other agribusinesses.

The early registration of $150 per person due by Jan. 1, 2003 covers conference materials, Thursday lunch, a Thursday night barbecue, Friday lunch and refreshments during breaks. A group discount of $25 per person is available for operations sending three or more employees. The registration fee after Jan. 1 is $200.

For more information or to register, contact Fogleman at 620-431-1530 or visit http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/employee. ©