Making the most of the year ahead is focus of GrowingOn® 2018
Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) hosts GrowingOn® meetings each year as part of the Association’s commitment to be a dependable and reliable partner during all ag cycles. Seventeen meetings will be held in Iowa from January 3 through 23, with the two most local meeting locations taking place January at the Waucoma Event Center, located at 308 Riverview Drive in Waukon and at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion, located on East Acers Street in Manchester. These meetings will take a new look at factors affecting profitability for producers, as well as strategies and tools they can use to improve their operations.
While prices for crops aren’t expected to improve markedly in the foreseeable future, several key economic conditions remain positive, including still historically low interest rates, relatively stable land values and strong protein demand. FCSAmerica leaders will discuss what these economic factors mean for producers and the resulting opportunities that exist in 2018 and beyond.
Steven Johnson, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, returns to GrowingOn with his outlook for the year ahead. Johnson will focus on the farm management practices that work for both those facing challenges and those looking to grow. A case study of an FCSAmerica customer who has expanded his operation in the current cycle will highlight proven pricing strategies and financial and risk management practices.
“Our case example farmer employs several key steps to effectively manage risk that I’ll discuss at GrowingOn,” Johnson said. “He understands his costs, actively merchandises his grain and is always aware of where his financials are headed. As a result, he’s in a position to take advantage of opportunities when they come up.”
Pre-registration is required for GrowingOn. Details can be found at growingon.com, by calling local FCSAmerica offices or by calling 1-800-884-FARM. More information can also be found at fcsamerica.com.
