EMERSON, HELMING TO SPEAK AT AREA FARM CONFERENCE

SIKESTON -- Next month's Rural Restoration Conference will attract some big names to Sikeston.

Noted economist Bill Helming, U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson; country gospel music star Susie Luchsinger and her husband, world-class rodeo cowboy Paul Luchsinger, will be at the conference. It will be held at the Ramada Inn Jan. 14-16.

Farmers and their families are encouraged to attend the conference, organized and sponsored by the Adopt-A-Farm Family of America.

The conference starts with a gospel concert Jan. 14 by Susie Luchsinger and her husband. Luchsinger is Reba McIntire's sister.

Tickets for the concert are free at several area agri-businesses or at the Adopt-A-Farm Family of America office.

The conference will wind down Jan. 16 with Helming offering economic updates and predictions.

Helming will explain his plan for abolishing the current federal income and Social Security tax systems with a proposed National Consumption Tax, which already has been presented to a number of U.S. congressmen.

Emerson will address the conference at noon Jan. 15.

A number of workshops will be conducted. Subjects include soil life, crop performance, how to prosper as a grain producer, family business, estate planning for farmers, and setting goals with Christian principles.

Registration forms and additional information are available at several agri-businesses or at the Adopt office, 1218 Linn St., Sikeston, or by calling (314)-472-HOPE.