The drought of 2012 left many Indiana farmers with poor yields, ravaged fields, and no money. Recovering both economically and agronomically from the drought is the aim of the seminar series, hosted by Hoosier Ag Today at the Indiana/Illinois Farm Equipment Show, December 11-13 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The free seminars will be held each day of the show at 11am and will feature some of the state’s top economists, financial experts, agronomists, and market analysts. “Indiana farmers can and will recover from the drought, but it will take careful planning and strategic thinking to get back on track both financially and agronomically, ” said Gary Truitt, President of Hoosier Ag Today, who will host the seminars.
On Tuesday, December 11, the seminar will focus on agronomic issues including fertility, conservation, and seed selection. Experts from Advanced Ag Solutions and Farm Clinic will make presentations on crop and soil management issues. Noted cover crop expert Hans Kok will also present information on the benefits of using cover crops to improve soil fertility and increase yields.
On Wednesday, December 12, Purdue Extension Ag Economist Dr. Chris Hurt will present his popular outlook program. Hurt will examine the forces at work in the market and make recommendations on how producers should adjust their marketing plans for 2013 and beyond. Preceding Hurt’s presentation, Sommerset CPAs will present a program on tax law changes that will impact the family farm in 2013. Massive tax law changes will take effect in 2013 unless Congress acts to prevent them. The agricultural CPAs will examine how these changes will impact farmers should they be implemented.
On Thursday December 13, the seminar will deal with the futures market. A group of traders and analysts from Indiana and Chicago will discuss current market conditions and provide hands-on recommendations on trading strategies for farmers, hedgers, and speculators.
All seminars will begin with an up-to-date market and news report from Hoosier Ag Today and conclude with the awarding of door prizes. The Indiana/Illinois Farm Equipment Show is held in the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
The show will fill every available space in the 170,000 square foot facility. According to Show Manager Richard Sherman, “The emphasis this year will clearly be on the upcoming planting season. We believe that area farmers will turn out strongly to see and order what they’ll need for planting — from equipment, to seeds, chemicals, soil treatments, and fertilizers. Of course, they will also have the opportunity to talk finance and crop insurance. All of our exhibit space is now sold out, with an outstanding group of ag manufacturers, dealers and suppliers on hand.”
The largest exhibitors are led by the John Deere display, presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment and Smith Implement; the Case IH display presented by Bane Equipment; and the Cat and Agco display presented by MacAllister Machinery. “We have great displays of self-propelled sprayers and outdoor power equipment plus an outstanding line-up of shortline equipment,” said Sherman.