SD Corn offers Growing Forward 2009

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 will offer Growing Forward 2009. This special outlook on crop marketing, estate planning and crop insurance strategies will position producers with growth strategies for 2009.

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 2009 crop price outlooks while learning how to utilize crop revenue insurance tools.

The 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:

• Monday, Dec. 1: Aberdeen Best Western Ramkota, Noon start
• Monday, Dec. 1: Watertown Event Center, 6 p.m. start
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: Huron Crossroads, Noon start
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: Mitchell MTI Technology Center, 6 p.m. start
• Wednesday, Dec. 3: Yankton Minerva’s Convention Center/Best Western Kelly Inn, 9 a.m. start
• Thursday, Dec. 4: Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel, 9 a.m. start

Steven Johnson, Iowa State University Extension Farm Management Specialist will keynote the seminars, offering strategies for producers in 2009.

“Producers’ attention should be on what they can control,” said Johnson. While much of the focus has been on crop prices recently, Johnson expects more attention this winter to be on controlling costs.

Johnson will be joined by representatives from Farm Credit Services of America to deliver important insurance policy features; and Eide Bailly will present year-end tax strategies.

“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.

Growing Forward 2009 Highlights:

“Controlling Crop Controllables”Steven D. Johnson – Farm & Ag Business Management Field SpecialistTopics include:

• • Examining Crop Supply/Demand & Price Outlook
  • Grain Storage and Marketing Decisions
  • Enhancing Multi-Year Revenue Decisions
  • Reducing Crop Input Costs
  • Understanding Specialty Crop Production Contracts with Growing Demand for Biofuel

Insurance Risk Management StrategiesFarm Credit Services 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

Estate/Succession PlanningEide Bailly will offer insights into key estate and tax implications, including:

• • Tax Strategies for Farmers and Ranchers
  • Financial Planning Strategies
  • Estate Planning
  • Farm Succession Planning

The programs are offered at no cost but pre-registration is required. To register go to www.growingforward2009.com. For more information contact the SDCGA office at 605-334-0100.