The 2025 Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) National Conference convened on April 1-3 in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual event brought together public and private sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals to share effective risk management education strategies aimed at assisting agricultural producers and their families.
The conference commenced with a pre-conference session focusing on agritourism. This session provided attendees with insights into integrating tourism with agriculture to diversify farm income and manage market risks. Since FVC will be creating a directory for our new program “FVC Tourism,” this half-a-day session was very insightful for me. FVC Tourism is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting agritourism by showcasing member farms that excel in agricultural outreach and education. This program will connect visitors with farm experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture while generating additional revenue streams for participating farms. By leveraging our network of member farms and their unique educational capabilities, FVC Tourism will position itself as a leading provider of authentic agricultural experiences.
On April 2 and 3, the main conference featured a series of general and concurrent sessions, along with a poster session and reception. These sessions covered various aspects of risk management, including financial, production, marketing, legal, and human risks. Presenters highlighted successful and innovative educational programs that have positively impacted agricultural producers. FVC presented on our grant work with Native Agriculture Financial Services, focusing on reaching Native & Veteran Producers in the Southern, North Central, and Western ERME Regions. This joint educational project aimed at enhancing agricultural producers’ economic viability through targeted risk management strategies.
On Thursday morning around 2:30 AM, the city of Nashville experienced extreme weather conditions consisting of heavy wind, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. An “unplanned network function” then occurred in the Double Tree ballroom as participants were sequestered there while the worst of the weather passed over the area. This additional bonding time made the conference memorable and one that I will never forget.
The ERME National Conference served as a platform for agricultural professionals to share knowledge and strategies for effective risk management education. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in equipping producers with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of agricultural risks. It was a success.
