"Discovering value added niches" is the theme of the 2008 Value Added Conference, set for Tuesday, March 11, at the Days Inn in Brookings.

The registration fee is $30 through Feb. 26 or $35 after that date.

Student admission is $10 through Feb. 26 or $15 afterward.

For more details and to register, go to sdaes.sdstate.edu/valueadded.

Cheri Rath, executive director of the Value Added Agriculture Development Center and one of the conference organizers, said the sessions offer farmers and ranchers a perspective that goes beyond production of ag commodities and into processing of niche products.

"While agricultural producers are the target audience, the seminars will also provide important tools for emerging and existing value added agribusinesses, community leaders, lenders, researchers, elected officials and students," Rath said.