Summer Learning Series

ASFMRA SLS Logo

Summer Learning Series 2026

July 12–24, 2026 | Denver, Colorado

ASFMRA is proud to launch the new and improved Summer Learning Series — a two-week, in-person education experience designed to bring Farm Managers, Agriculture Consultants, and Rural Appraisers together like never before. After years of successful Summer Education Weeks, we're expanding and rebranding to better meet the needs of our growing professional community.

Held in vibrant Denver, Colorado, SLS 2026 combines expert-led designation courses, exam prep study halls, and timely seminars with exciting networking events like the Rockies baseball game, our Opening Reception, and a new agricultural tour. Plus, we've expanded virtual options to increase flexibility and access for all members.

Whether you're advancing toward your AFM or ARA/RPRA designation, looking to fulfill CE requirements, or exploring a new specialty, this event is built for your success. And with social opportunities and committee connections built in, you'll strengthen your network as you build your skillset.

NEW THIS YEAR!

Experience Colorado Agriculture Firsthand on the SLS Ag Tour.

As part of ASFMRA’s Summer Learning Series, participants can take their learning beyond the classroom with our Ag Tour. This experience includes visits to three agricultural operations near Denver: Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Petrocco Farms, and the Colorado State University Spur Campus.

These tours provide a valuable, firsthand look at modern agricultural practices, regional production methods, and the management decisions shaping today’s agricultural landscape.

Ag Tour Agenda

*Please note: this is an all-day experience and is included in the price of your SLS Weekly Pass

Start Time

End Time

Item

Address

6:20 AM

6:30 AM

Meet Outside Hilton Garden Inn & Board Buses

600 S Colorado Blvd,

Denver, CO 80246

6:30 AM

8:00 AM

Buses Depart

8:00 AM

10:00 AM

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding Tour

28625 US Hwy 34,

Kersey, CO 80644

10:00 AM

10:15 AM

Restroom Break & Board Buses

10:15 AM

11:00 AM

Buses Drive Time

11:00 AM

12:30 PM

Petrocco Farms TOUR

14110 Brighton Rd,

Brighton, CO 80601

12:30 PM

12:45 PM

Restroom Break & Board Buses

12:45 PM

1:15 PM

Buses Drive Time

1:15 PM

2:00 PM

Lunch at CSU Spur Campus

4777 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80246

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

CSU Spur Campus Tour

4:00 PM

4:15 PM

Restroom Break & Board Buses

4:15 PM

4:35 PM

Buses Drive to Hilton Garden Inn

600 S Colorado Blvd,

Denver, CO 80246

4:35 PM

Adjourn

Register Here

Thank You to our Sponsors!

File

Networking During Break

Young Professional Network Event

Students in Class

Hotel Information

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn – Denver/Cherry Creek

600 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80246 | (303) 754-9800

Conveniently located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek area, the Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek offers a comfortable and modern stay just minutes from downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center, and Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Guests enjoy well-appointed rooms with complimentary Wi‑Fi, an on‑site restaurant and bar, fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub. With 24‑hour front desk service, business amenities, and easy access to dining, shopping, and Denver International Airport, the hotel provides an ideal home base for both business and educational events.

  • Room Rates: Start at $150/night
  • Check-In: 3:00 p.m.
  • Check-Out: 12:00 p.m.
  • Breakfast included

Book your accommodations below to secure your spot in ASFMRA’s room block.

Book Now and Save!


Summer Learning Series 2026 Registration Pricing

Registration Passes

Pass Type Member Non-Member
1 Week Registration $129 $169
Seminar 1-Day Pass $79 $79
Virtual Attendance Pass $69 $69
Multi Week Pass $199 $239

QE and Accreditation Path

Course Member Non-Member
Ag Land Management 1 $1,130 $1,240
Ag Land Management 2 $1,130 $1,240
Ag Land Management 3 $1,130 $1,240
Ag Land Management 4 $525 $625
AFM Accreditation Exam $350 $350
Basic Appraisal Principles (A101) $680 $900
Basic Appraisal Procedures (A102) $680 $900
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations (A112) $250 $250
15 Hour National USPAP Course (A113) $580 $780

CE In-Person

Seminar Member Non-Member
Working as an Expert Witness: A Tutorial for the Appraiser, Farm Manager, and Agricultural Consultant Seminar $280 $440
Mastering the Consultant and Expert Witness Role Seminar $280 $440

CE Virtual

Seminar Member Non-Member
Working as an Expert Witness: A Tutorial for the Appraiser, Farm Manager, and Agricultural Consultant Seminar $280 $440
Legal Descriptions for Rural Professionals Seminar $280 $440

Printed Course Materials

Printed Course Book (per course or seminar) $65

Agenda

Date Start Time End Time Session Instructor
Sunday, July 12 5:00 PM 7:00 PM Welcome Reception Details coming soon.
Monday, July 13 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 1 Paul Burgener, AFM & Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 3 Justin Bahr, AFM, Mollie Aronowitz, AFM, Brandon DuRant, AFM
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Principles (A101) Travis Nissen, ARA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Provided
Tuesday, July 14 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 1 Paul Burgener, AFM & Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 3 Justin Bahr, AFM, Mollie Aronowitz, AFM, Brandon DuRant, AFM
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Principles (A101) Travis Nissen, ARA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Individual
5:30 PM 7:30 PM Study Halls - ALM1, ALM3 & A101 - Dinner Provided
Wednesday, July 15 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 1 Paul Burgener, AFM & Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 3 Justin Bahr, AFM, Mollie Aronowitz, AFM, Brandon DuRant, AFM
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Principles (A101) Travis Nissen, ARA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Individual
TBD TBD Evening Social @ Grizzly Rose - Dinner Included
Thursday, July 16 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 2 Matt Gunderson, AFM & Spencer Smith, AFM
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 4 Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Principles (A101) Travis Nissen, ARA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Provided
5:30 PM 7:30 PM ALM 4 Study Hall
Friday, July 17 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 2 Matt Gunderson, AFM & Spencer Smith, AFM
7:30 AM 4:30 PM AFM Accreditation Exam Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM 15 Hour National USPAP Course (A113) Jo Ann Apostol
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch
Saturday, July 18 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Ag Land Management 2 Matt Gunderson, AFM & Spencer Smith, AFM
7:30 AM 11:30 APM AFM Accreditation Exam Don Colter, Jr., AFM, AAC
7:30 AM 4:30 PM 15 Hour National USPAP Course (A113) Jo Ann Apostol
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Individual
Sunday, July 19 6:30 AM 4:35 PM Ag Tour and Lunch

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding TOUR

Petrocco Farms TOUR

CSU Spur Campus Lunch and TOUR

Monday, July 20 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Procedures (A102) Steve Niemeier, ARA & John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Working as an Expert Witness Sean Minahan & Brian Gatzke, ARA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Provided
Tuesday, July 21 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Procedures (A102) Steve Niemeier, ARA & John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Individual
6:00 PM Evening Social - Rockies Game @ Coors Field
Wednesday, July 22 7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Procedures (A102) Steve Niemeier, ARA & John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Mastering the Consultant and Expert Witness Role From Field to Courtroom Matt Gunderson, AFM, Stacey Meneses, ARA, Sean Minahan
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Provided
5:30 PM 7:30 PM A102 Study Hall Steve Niemeier, ARA & John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
Thursday, July 23 7:00 AM 10:00 AM Management Education Accreditation Committee
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Basic Appraisal Procedures (A102) Steve Niemeier, ARA & John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
9:30 AM 12:30 PM Consulting Education Accreditation Committee
12:30 PM 1:30 PM Lunch - Individual
1:30 PM 4:30 PM Appraisal Education Accreditation Committee
TBD TBD Dinner Reservation Location & time TBD
Friday, July 24 7:00 AM 11:00 AM TriComm
7:30 AM 4:30 PM Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations (A112) John Keeney, ARA, RPRA
11:30 AM 12:30 PM Lunch - Provided