GrowingOn 2010 to offer growth strategies for producers

While 2009 crop growing conditions had the potential to provide record yields, getting the crop harvested has been a challenge. In this pivotal time in agriculture, farmers are eager to maximize their profits while securing a future for their business.

When the stakes are high, so are the opportunities and for that reason the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council and Farm Credit Services of America have teamed up to offer GrowingOn 2010. This special outlook on crop marketing and crop insurance strategies will position producers with growth opportunities for 2010.

Featured speaker Steven Johnson, Iowa State University Extension Farm Management Specialist will keynote the seminars, offering strategies for producers in 2010.

“With the delayed 2009 harvest, the economic roller coaster ride continues for South Dakota farmers. A look ahead to 2010 should provide lower crop input costs, a decline for the first time in recent history,” said Johnson.

Learn how to tailor today’s marketplace and technology to your advantage. Producers’ marketing plan will begin to take shape at these meetings as they understand 2010 crop price outlooks while learning how to utilize crop revenue insurance tools.

“Producers’ attention should be on what they can control,” said Johnson. He expects many farms facing large quality discounts will store bushels longer waiting for higher prices. However, the futures price already reflects the concern for both grain quantity and quality issues. The geographic differences for cash corn and soybean prices will be reflected in the nearby basis.

The GrowingOn 2010 seminars will be repeated six times during the week of Dec. 1-4 in separate cities to offer producers the opportunity to attend a seminar in their area. The schedule is the following:

Tuesday, Dec. 1: Aberdeen Best Western Ramkota, Noon start

Tuesday, Dec. 1: Watertown Event Center, 6 p.m. start

Wednesday, Dec. 2: Huron Crossroads Hotel, Noon start

Wednesday, Dec. 2: Mitchell MTI Technology Center, 6 p.m. start

Thursday, Dec. 3: Yankton Riverfront Event Center East Side, 9:30 a.m. start

Friday, Dec. 4: Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel, 9 a.m. start

Johnson will be joined by representatives from Farm Credit Services of America to deliver important insurance policy features.

“All of the information provided through our education seminars will enable producers to be proactive instead of reactive, allowing them to avoid or mitigate many of the risks associated with agricultural production,” said Bill Chase, president of the SDCGA.

GrowingOn 2010 Highlights: “2010 Crop Vision” Steven D. Johnson – ISU Farm & Ag Business Management Field SpecialistTopics include:

• Understand Crop Supply/Demand & Price Outlook
• Grain Storage and Marketing Decisions
• Reducing Crop Input Costs
• Managing 2010 Crop Risks & Revenue

Insurance Risk Management Strategies Farm Credit Services of America will present insurance policy features and benefits including information such as:

• Review of policy changes and options
• Utilizing insurance coverage to support grain marketing decisions
• Compare and contrast coverages utilizing different yield and price scenarios
• Crop insurance buying decision strategies

The programs are offered at no cost but pre-registration is required and a complimentary meal will be served at each location. To register go to www.cropinsurancespecialists.com. For more information contact the SDCGA office at 605-334-0100.