SD Corn to offer Growing Forward 2009 Part II

South Dakota Corn will present Growing Forward 2009 – Part II the week of Feb. 2-5, 2009. This distinctive outlook on maximizing farm bill programs in farming operations and how weather patterns impact decisions will position producers with growth strategies for 2009.

Hundreds of producers attended Part I of Growing Forward 2009 held in December. Part II launches off of the first set of seminars held in December 2008, but features fresh topics, speakers and unparalleled new information. Following are the highlights:

"Maximizing Crop Insurance in the new Farm Bill”

Art Barnaby, an Extension ag economist from Kansas State University will focus producers’ attention on maximizing crop insurance options in the new farm bill. He will help producers devise a whole farm plan utilizing the new farm bill programs.

“2009 Ag Weather Outlook”

Bryce Anderson has been DTN’s chief ag meteorologist since 1991. Anderson will provide a 2009 Ag Weather Outlook. His insight will get producers thinking about risk management strategies to mitigate potential weather events in 2009.

With a new farm bill to learn, the information to be presented at these seminars is invaluable to every ag producer in the state,” said Bill Chase, president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA). “And as we make our planting decisions, getting a preview of weather trends will allow producers to be proactive instead of reactive.”

Dates and Locations:

• Feb. 2: Sioux Falls – Program begins at 9 a.m. – Ramkota Hotel
• Feb. 2: Watertown – Program begins at 3 p.m. – Watertown Event Center
• Feb. 3: Aberdeen – Program begins at 9 a.m. – Ramkota Hotel
• Feb. 4: Huron – Program begins at 9 a.m. – Crossroads
• Feb. 5: Mitchell – Program begins at 9 a.m. – Highland Conference Center (Comfort Inn)
• Feb. 5: Yankton – Program begins at 3 p.m. – Minerva’s Convention Center

The registration fee for SDCGA members is $15; non-members is $30. A meal will be served following each program.

To register, call the SDCGA office at 605-334-0100. Or register online at www.sdcorn.org.