Boot Camp focuses on the basics.

If you didn't grow up on a farm or major in ag in college, where do you get ag knowledge? If you grew up on a farm or majored in ag in college where do you get your marketing knowledge?

The Agri-Marketing Boot Camp, scheduled for October 5-6 aims to address these issues. The two day program, sponsored by the National Agri-Marketing Association, will focus on the basics of production agriculture and agricultural marketing.

Heading up the committee organizing the event is Beth Burgy, vice president of Broadhead + Company.

"This seminar is ideal for entry level ag communications professionals or for seasoned veterans to brush up on the basics," says Burgy. "This will give you the tools you need to be more effective in the industry."

Beginning the afternoon of October 5, the Boot Camp will kick off with an overview on "Trends in American Agriculture." This session will be presented by Greg Scheer, economist from Doane Ag Services. From there, attendees can choose two of three breakout sessions:

* Livestock 101: This session will be presented by Holly Martin, editor of High Plains Journal and other industry experts.

* Specialty Markets 101: This session will he presented by Mike Gustafson, manager, creative group of John Deere

* Row Crop 101: This session will be presented by an expert from Pioneer Hi-Bred International.

The day will finish off with a reception and dinner that includes a producer panel moderated by Ken Root, NAFB.

October 6 will begin with "Ag Marketing 101," which will focus on the principles of ag marketing and also feature ag-related case studies. This session will be presented by Bob Cline, lecturer at University of Iowa and advertising veteran.

The morning will feature three breakout sessions;

* Agency 101: Jill Green, senior vice president, The Meyocks Group will present this session.

* Understanding Media Research and Planning: presented by Sheree Johnson, senior vice president, NKH&W.

* How to Write a Marketing Plan: will be presented by Colleen Church McDowall, Osborn & Barr Comm.

The Boot Camp will wrap up focusing on some of the inherent challenges in business-to-business marketing. This session will be presented by Dr. Gene Brown, director of the Center for Direct Marketing, Education and Research, the Henry Bloch School of Business at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

For questions call 913-491-6500 or visit www.nama.org.