The annual seminar series at the Indiana/Illinois Farm Equipment show, scheduled for December 13-15 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, will focus on heling farmers develop a profitable production plan for 2017. The series of 3 free programs hosted by Hoosier Ag Today and sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and Brodbeck Seeds, will cover the areas of agronomy, finance, equipment, weather, market strategy and economic outlook. Experts in these fields will present practical recommendations and outlooks designed to help farmers plan to be profitable in the coming year.
The focus of the Tuesday seminar is Planning for Profit in 2017. There will be a total of 3 presenters, covering financial, agronomic, and equipment aspects of the 2017 growing season. Dan Ridder from Brodbeck Seeds will discuss seed selection, soil fertility, and other agronomic issues with the aim of increasing production while minimizing costs. Gary Coleman from Farm Credit Mid-America will be presenting on “Making the Most of Operating Loans” – this topic will resonate with attendees because of the tougher ag economic times. Jay Shininger, Agriculture Division Manager with MacAllister Equipment, will discuss the various options growers have for meeting their equipment needs during tight times.
The Wednesday seminar is Predicting the Unpredictable, Markets and Weather for 2017. There will be a total of 2 presenters, covering economic and weather forecasts for the 2017growing season. Well known Purdue Ag Economist Dr. Chris Hurt will presnt his popular economic outlook for 2017 with strategies for farmers to weather the unknowns of the U.S. economy. In advance of Dr. Hurt’s presentation, Hoosier Ag Today meteologist Ryan Martin will present a long-range weather outlook for the 2017 growing season.
The title of the Thursday seminar is Managing Market Risk in 2017. Bill Gentry of Risk Management Commodities of Lafayette will outline ways producers can manage their risk in the futures markets. Gentry will outline strategies by which farmers can lock in a profitable price while minimizing their risk.
Each daily program will begin at 11:00am and will feature a market update from Gary Truitt and Andy Eubank of Hoosier Ag Today. Door prizes will also be presented at