Prepare For 2016 Iowa Agriculture At Pro-Ag Outlook And Management Meetings

Oct 23, 2015

By Ann Johanns

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host 12 Agricultural Outlook meetings across Iowa in November and December. This program is designed to provide participants with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential, and management implications.

Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist with Iowa State University, will discuss past, current and future prices. “Farmers know today’s price,” said Hart. “What I ask is how much did it cost to produce it?” Hart continued, “To make marketing decisions, farmers need to know their production costs.”

Lee Schulz, livestock economist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will explain factors that are influencing calf prices and how producers can use that information to make decisions about selling at weaning, backgrounding, or finishing.

Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State University, will address how to manage a farm business with low to negative crop margins. “It is important for producers and ag-business professionals to have a clear understanding of the profitability analysis for corn and soybeans in the state of Iowa, as well as on their own operations,” said Plastina. “Profit analysis, as well as being aware of possible strategies to cope with low- to negative-profit margins are key to managing in 2016.”

Each program will feature information presented by specialists from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Some locations will also provide expertise from Iowa State University agricultural legal experts and Extension field agronomists, who will give participants a realistic expectation of production prices and tactics to decrease costs to get to a profitable margin. Specific topics will vary to provide a regional focus for participants.

The sessions are open to the public, however pre-registration is requested two days prior to the date of the event. Speakers, registration fees and provided meals vary by location. For locations, times and program content, contact your farm management field specialist or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html.

Pro-Ag Outlook and Management meeting dates and locations