February 12,2007

With rising grain prices and changing production economies, it's a good time for farmers to hone their marketing skills and take advantage of the market. To help the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Farmers and Ranchers College is hosting an interactive workshop, "Making Crop Marketing and Insurance Decisions" at the Community Center. The seminar will be held in Blue Hill Thursday, March 8 fom 9 a.m. till noon.

This timely workshop will feature Steve Johnson, Farm and Agriculture Business Management Specialist at Iowa State University. Representatives from John Deere Crop Insurance, Ag Service Associates, Farm Credit Services and local crop revenue insurance providers also will be present to answer questions.

Topics will include: Seasonal crop price trends for corn, soybeans and wheat; corn, soybean and wheat yield and acreage trends; crop supply, demand and price outlook for the 2007-08 marketing year; pre-harvest crop marketing strategies; weather forecasts and potential yield outcomes; use of crop insurance products with pre-harvest marketing strategies; the new farm bill; and strategies for success.

Since joining ISU Extension in September 1999, Johnson has worked with farmers and other agribusiness managers, lenders, grain merchandisers, agricultural suppliers, commodity groups, market advisors, professional farm managers and crop consultants in Iowa, Nebraska and across the Corn Belt. Before joining ISU, he served as a Farm and Ranch Management Extension Educator for Colorado State University; an Information Management Consultant; an agricultural lender and high school agriculture instructor.

This free workshop is sponsored by local lending institutions and the UNL Extension Farmers and Ranchers College with financial support from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Pre-register by Tuesday, March 6 by calling the UNL Extension Offices in Webster County at 402-746-3417 or Clay County at 402-762-3644. Walk-ins, however, are welcome.