Oct. 11, 2011

Economic uncertainty and marketplace instability has increased risk for agricultural producers. A UNL Extension program, Husker Ag SMARTS, can help producers understand this risk and improve business skills.

Husker Ag SMARTS is a six-day business management program that will enable participants to strengthen management abilities, increase responsiveness to business challenges and help build technical skills, said Jessica Jones, extension educator in Johnson County and member of the Husker Ag SMARTS planning committee.  This year it will be offered in Scottsbluff and Seward.

"The program will help participants increase their ag SMARTS by gaining knowledge, understanding and practice of important topics in business and management risk," she said.

Topics include goal setting, business and marketing strategic planning, financial competency, personnel management and succession planning.

The program will include interactive discussion, case study analysis, computer-based simulations, hands-on training and practice, and discussions with other successful individuals in the industry who use these skills and concepts, Jones said.

The program consists of three, two-day work sessions.

• Scottsbluff: Nov. 17-18, Dec. 8-9, Jan. 17-18
• Seward: Dec. 15-16, Jan. 10-11, Feb. 7- 8

Registration and More Information

The cost is is $600 if registering before Oct. 15 and $650 after the date.  A $100 deposit is required with registration; the balance will be due at the end of the first session. Each location is limited to 20 participants. All educational materials, meals, and breaks are included. Participants are responsible for lodging and travel expenses.

For more information and a registration form, visit http://johnson.unl.edu/agsmarts.

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News Service