March 27, 2009

Successful farmers have an attitude that they control their own destiny, says Moe Russell, president of Russell Consulting of Panora, Iowa. On this week's Market Journal he recommends a working capital balance of 50% of annual revenues. Russell says this serves as a financial shock absorber. He also recommends that producers become aware of what they and their neighbors are playing for labor and machinery and use this as a benchmark when looking at changes.

Other segments on this week's program include:

• Letting wind make your energy, with Martin Kleinschmit of the Center for Rural Affairs;
• Cattle markets, with Mike Briggs, Briggs Feedyard, Seward;
• Nebraska land values, with Bruce Johnson, UNL professor of agricultural economics; and
• Ag weather update, with Al Dutcher, Nebraska state climatologist.

On next week's Market Journal (April 3), guests will share their views on two market reports. Roy Smith, farmer and grain marketing consultant from Plattsmouth, will analyze the planting intention report to be released Tuesday, and Ron Plain, University of Missouri ag economist, will share his analysis of the hog market.

Market Journal broadcast times:

NET1 - Saturday, 7 a.m. CT

NET2 - Sunday, 9 a.m. CT

Dish Network, Channel 9411

Friday, 12:30 p.m. CT

Sunday, 9:30 p.m. CT

Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. CT