Agricultural Economics 2008-2009 Extension Program Offerings

 TOPIC:         Purdue Income Tax Schools
AUDIENCE:   Tax Professionals (CPAs, Public Accountants, Attorneys and others)
TIME:            November to December 2008, 11 two-day programs at different locations.

This program, offered in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the Indiana Department of Revenue, is intended for tax professionals and provides Continuing Education Credit for accountants, attorneys, Enrolled Agents, and CFPs.  It is designed to provide up-to-date training on current tax laws and regulations.  Practical information for filing individual and small business returns is stressed.  Information with respect to specific locations, dates and other registration information can be obtained at www.conf.purdue.edu/tax
CONTACT:  George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Agricultural Income Tax Workshops 2008
AUDIENCE:      Tax Professionals, farmers and spouses
TIME:               8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Nov. 10, Evansville; Nov. 11, Indianapolis;
                        and Nov. 12 Warsaw

This program provides in-depth coverage of selected farm income tax issues and form preparation. Instruction is provided by Trenna Grabowski, an experienced CPA with an extensive agricultural practice. Information with respect to specific locations, dates and other registration information can be obtained at www.conf.purdue.edu/tax
 CONTACT: George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Income Tax Management for Farmers (IP Video)
AUDIENCE: Farmers, spouses, and farm tax professionals
TIME:            December 11, 2008,, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Indianapolis time)

This presentation provides producers with an update on recent income and self-employment tax developments. Emphasis is given to the implications of these changes for producers and the management alternatives available. David Frette, a CPA with a heavily farm-oriented practice, also participates and provides a very practical discussion of recent developments and how they impact producers.  In-depth handout materials are available to participants, and there are opportunities for individual questions.

CONTACT:  George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Risk Management for Producers in _______County in 2009
AUDIENCE:  Farmers and spouses
TIME:           30 minutes to 1 ½ hours

How do farmers rate the importance of the risks they face?  What are considered the most important risk management techniques?  What has been the variability of historical yields in this county? What does the futures and options market tell us about harvest time prices?  What does the probable distribution of gross and net revenue look like for 2008?  How can alternative risk management strategies affect this distribution?  Can you increase average returns and reduce downside risk at the same time? This program provides an overview of the price and yield risks faced by crop producers in a specific county. What are the chances you will be farming for $50 or less per acre to cover depreciation and family living?  In-depth discussion of crop insurance alternatives may be included.  The effects of risk management techniques such crop insurance, forward pricing and others can be illustrated.

This program may be offered in conjunction with a lender, group of crop insurance agents, or other “third-party influencer.”
CONTACT:   George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Real Estate Transactions: Basic Economic and Tax Considerations
AUDIENCE:             Farmers, Landowners, and Realtors in transition areas
TIME:            30 minutes to 1 ½ hours

This program is based on the premise: “You can’t own property forever!”   Expanding housing and urban development increases the value of land in many areas of the state yet creates major tax problems for many individuals.  Those wishing to continue to farm find it difficult to expand and remain competitive.  Four alternative means of transferring farm property are considered: sale (cash and installment), tax-deferred exchanges (swaps and involuntary exchanges), gifts (to family and charitable organizations), and bequests of the property.  The tax and economic implications of these means of transfer are discussed and compared.  Questions are encouraged.  This program has been offered in some counties in collaboration with the county foundation.

CONTACT:  George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Tax Considerations in Family Medical and Health Insurance
AUDIENCE:             Farmers and spouses
TIME:            30 minutes to 1 ½ hours

This program provides some basics on alternative ways of providing medical cost coverage and health insurance for farm families and small business owners are discussed and compared.  Some of the strategies include seeking off-farm employment, taking the self-employed health insurance deduction, health saving accounts and making your spouse an employee.  Information is provided on types of expenses and how things are handled for income and self-employment tax purposes. Questions are encouraged. 

CONTACT:  George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Taking the Bored Out of Boards
AUDIENCE: Rural and agricultural leaders who serve on boards of directors
TIME:            2 hours (or more if time would allow)

The boards of many agricultural organizations and other non-profits in rural communities are struggling. This session will help board members evaluate their board and find ways to make it, and the organization, more effective. Topics will include fitting the long-term goals, short-term objectives, and action plans to the mission of the organization; running effective meetings; bringing committed, qualified people onto the board; communication within and outside the board; effective use of committees; and other issues to important to a vital organization.

CONTACT: Janet Ayres, (765) 494-4215; ayres@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow? The Essence of Ethical Leadership
AUDIENCE:             Leaders in rural and agricultural organizations who have an interest in exploring     ethical leadership
TIME:            2 hours

Leaders can cast light, or shadow. This program will explore the ethical dimensions of leadership. Various philosophical perspectives of ethics will be discussed in addition to the role that values and morals play in our leadership behavior. We will identify many ways we can bring ethical leadership into our rural and agricultural organizations in terms of openness, communication, relationships, problem solving, and decision making.

CONTACT: Janet Ayres, (765) 494-4215; ayres@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Dealing With Controversial Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources
AUDIENCE: Community leaders who have experience dealing with controversial issues
TIME:            2 to 6 hours
Issues in agriculture and natural resources are increasingly complex and controversial. They frequently escalate into conflict and pit one group in the community against another with each side trying to "win" its cause. Many times, however, these issues could be addressed in a collaborative problem solving approach. This session will focus on the nature of public issues today, the cycle of public conflict, and the process of collaborative problem solving that includes how to identify stakeholders, convene diverse interests and engage in a problem solving process that will lead to sustainable decisions. These are the new leadership skills necessary to be effective in today's public world.
CONTACT: Janet Ayres, (765) 494-4215; ayres@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Combating Risk through Planning
AUDIENCE: Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General
Audience
TIME:            1-4 Hours

This program is designed to help participants assess the sources of human resource risk and develop management strategies to mitigate them.  Participants will begin developing a contingency plan based on their family and business risk management goals.  This program is designed to help producers increase interpersonal communication skills within family and business regarding human resource risk.

CONTACT:  Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu
                  Corinne Alexander (765) 494-4249, cealexan@purdue.edu
                 George Patrick (765) 494-4241, gpatrick@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Advertising and Publicity for Small Businesses
AUDIENCE: Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General
Audience
TIME:            1-2 Hours

This program is designed to help small businesses plan a promotion strategy.  The program covers the advantages and disadvantages of using different media outlets, how to develop an advertising strategy, and how to stimulate positive publicity.  The participants will learn how to develop a six sentence advertising strategy and the guidelines for placing effective ads in several media outlets.

CONTACT: Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Writing a Winning Business Plan
AUDIENCE:  Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General
Audience
TIME:            1-3 Hours

The program covers the importance and benefits of creating a business plan.  It also covers the elements of a solid business plan and the three tests every business plan should pass. 

CONTACT:  Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu
                       Jennifer Dennis (765) 494-1352, jhdennis@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          E-Commerce for Small Businesses
AUDIENCE: Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General
Audience
TIME:            1-2 Hours

This program covers the benefits and approaches to E-commerce.  The factors to consider before selling on the web and as well as some strategies for success are also covered.  The participant will also learn some techniques for designing a killer website and how to ensure web privacy and security.

CONTACT:  Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Marketing for New Ventures
AUDIENCE:  Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General
Audience
TIME:            1-2 Hours

Pinpointing the target market, conducting market research, and building a competitive edge are all topics covered in this program.  The program also covers the elements of a marketing plan.

CONTACT: Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu
                        Jennifer Dennis (765) 494-1352, jhdennis@purdue.edu

 TOPIC:         29th Annual Farming Together Workshop
AUDIENCE: Farmers and farm families
TIME:            January 30-31, 2009, on the Purdue Campus
This workshop provides information and work time for family members and future partners to develop answers to the many questions involved with farming together. The workshop is held on the Purdue Campus to provide a retreat from all the distractions on the farm that tend to compete with the quality time needed to get a good start on developing a plan for management succession. Presentations will be made on family communications, establishing a common vision for the business, assessing finances, alternative business models, defining the organizational structure and role of each member of the management team, and legal considerations of farming together. Information about the most recent workshop can be found at http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/programs/farm_together.asp
A registration fee is charged for each farm business that participates (which is expected to be $120(timely registration) $150(late registration)). Because of the need to bring specific materials to the workshop, pre-registration is required.

CONTACT: Alan Miller, (765)494-4203, millerwa@purdue.edu
                        Craig Dobbins, (765)494-9041, cdobbins@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          77th Annual Indiana Farm Management Tour
AUDIENCE: Farmers and Other Interested Persons
TIME:            June 23-24, 2009  in LaPorte and Starke Counties

The Indiana farm management tour provides participants with a unique opportunity to visit successful farm businesses in Indiana and to learn about the decision making processes of the owner-managers of these businesses. It is the culmination of an applied research project where the management skills and the keys to success of five host farms are profiled. The visit to each host farm includes an interview of the host farm operator and 3-4 mini-tours that focus on particular topics of interest to the farming public. Tour participants provide their own transportation and are welcome to visit one or all of the farms at the prescribed times. The dates for the annual farm management tour vary from year to year, but are always in late June or early July. A schedule for the annual Indiana farm management tour is posted on the Agricultural Economics Department’s website as soon as it is finalized each spring. For the most current information about the upcoming tour please visit:  http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/programs/farm_tour.asp

CONTACT: Alan Miller, (765)494-4203, millerwa@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Succession Planning: How to Bring a Son or Daughter into the Family
Farm Business/Different Ways to Share in the Ownership and Management of the   Family Farm Business
AUDIENCE: Farmers and farm families
TIME:            1-2 hours

Many farmers would like to see their farm business continue on after they have retired from farming. This program discusses ideas about how to bring a son or daughter into the family farm business and steps to take to effectively transfer the management of the family farm to subsequent generations of family members.

CONTACT: Alan Miller, (765)494-4203, millerwa@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Top Farmer Crop Workshop
AUDIENCE: Farmers
TIME:            Multi-day Workshop

The 42nd annual Top Farmer Crop Workshop is planned for the Purdue campus July 19-22, 2009.  The fee-based workshop brings together some of the most inventive farmers in the Corn Belt (and beyond) for three days to discuss the latest in crop technology and management.  Speakers and discussion facilitators represent innovators in agribusiness, university specialists, and farmers, and presentations cover the range of crop management topics from choice of genetics, crop nutrients and tillage to finance, personnel management and farm policy.  Since the beginning, the core of the workshop has been the opportunity for each participant to construct a linear programming model of their farm to test the profit potential of improved timeliness through technology. “Teaching assistants”, trained graduate and undergraduate Purdue agriculture students work with each participating farm to model their operation and alternatives accurately.  More information is available at http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/topfarmer/

CONTACT:  Bruce Erickson, (765)494-9557, berickso@purdue.edu

TOPIC:                      Economics and Adoption of Precision Farming Technology
AUDIENCE:                         Farmers, educators and consultants
TIME:                        1 hour
Precision farming encompasses a group of related technologies whose applications and economic returns vary depending on the region, cropping system, and the characteristics of individual farms and their operators.  This presentation will briefly explore the tools and technology that enable variable rate technology, precision planter and sprayer controls, GPS guidance, on-the-go sensing, and spatial monitoring and mapping systems, among others.  From this base of information specific precision applications will be explored, their adoption in various market segments, and their economic considerations--comparing system costs to potential savings in inputs or increases in crop performance.
CONTACT:  Bruce Erickson, (765)494-9557, berickso@purdue.edu

 
TOPIC:          Estate and Family Farm Business Transfer Planning.
AUDIENCE: Farmers, spouses and their adult family, landowners, agri-business community, small business owners, Extension Educators and Indiana: insurance producers, lawyers and accountants.
TIME:            5 hours. Shorter presentations may be arranged.

Subject matter includes: Planning Goals, Objectives and a Vision for Family Business Transfer, Property Ownership Law and Implications for Estate Planning, Without a Will,  Wills, Avoiding Probate, Living Wills, Long Term Care Insurance, Health Care Consent, Durable Powers of Attorney; Federal Gift, Estate Taxes and Indiana Inheritance taxes including Special Valuation of Farmland; Choices for Family Business Arrangements; Buy-Sell Agreements; Estate Planning with Living Trusts; Charitable Planning—Income, Gift and Estate Tax and Indiana Inheritance Tax Planning plus Conservation Easements. This material can be customized to include other educators and specialists with related presentations. A detailed subject matter outline and reference book is provided.
CONTACT: Gerry Harrison, 765-494-4216, e-mail: harrisog@purdue.edu

TOPIC:         Farm and Ag Business Law Update: Farmer, Landowner and                              Individual Legal Affairs. 
AUDIENCE: Farmers, landowners, Extension Educators and lawyers.
TIME:            1.5 to 2.5 hours
This is an opportunity for a range of program topics. “Do you need a will?” “Is a living trust good estate planning?” Key tools for transferring the farm business and a series of up-to-date topics may include the law of: eminent domain, property rights, farmland drainage, forward-sales contracts, farmland leases, farmland partition fences, weed control and more. Other topics may be included upon request. Various topics could be presented in a team format with other staff or local professionals. Selected papers and publications are available. Ag Law papers and publications are posted as “papers and publications” and Power Point “Lectures” are posted at: <http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/academic/agec455/>
CONTACT:   Gerry Harrison, 765-494-4216, e-mail: harrisog@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Farming on the Fringe: Rural/Urban Conflict.
AUDIENCE: Farmers, landowners, developers, Extension Educators, lawyers and accountants.
TIME:            5 hours.
This seminar will provide a series of presentations related to problems and opportunities of farming amidst residential and other development. We focus on the “rural-urban clash” presented by the host Educator, limiting landowner liability, property rights and eminent domain, transfer taxes, if any, for: real estate sale, like-kind trade, and federal estate; land trusts, conservation easements, of right to farm and non-conforming uses.
Material can be presented by Dr. Harrison, and other professionals.
CONTACT:   Gerry Harrison, 765-494-4216, e-mail: harrisog@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Indiana Farm Law Quiz
AUDIENCE: Farmers, Extension Educators, landowners, agri-business community and lawyers.
TIME:            1.5 to 2.5 hours.
This is a presentation  is in a question and answer format consisting of  farming and property legal topics: fence law, farmland lease law, commodity liens and mortgages, bankruptcy, contracts, property law, estate planning and business transfer. An answer set with discussion is provided with or without a Power Point presentation. Supporting papers and publications may be provided. Topics for emphasis may be selected in advance. Ag Law papers and publications under “papers and publications” and Power Point “Lectures” are posted at: <http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/academic/agec455/>.
CONTACT:   Gerry Harrison, 765-494-4216, e-mail: harrisog@purdue.edu

TOPIC:            Farmland Leases and Rent Arrangements: Are Your Farmland Leases Up to Date?
AUDIENCE:  Farmers, Landowners, lenders
TIME:              90 minutes – 2 hours
Dr. Harrison has a presentation of the Indiana laws for farmland leases including termination requirements along with income tax issues. Dr. Dobbins has a presentation addressing the economics of cropland leasing. This presentation address estimating the net return for cash and crop share leases and how return is influenced by lease terms.

CONTACT:  Gerry Harrison (765)494-4216, harrisog@purdue.edu
                        Craig Dobbins (765)494-9041, cdobbins@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Is My Farm Business Competitive?
AUDIENCE: Farmers, Lenders
TIME:            1 - 2 hours
Using case problems, this program focuses on key tools for measuring profitability, size, and growth of the farm business. The tools and measures discussed will provide concrete answers to the following questions:

• Is the business profitable?
• How will improvements in operating performance or changes in financial structure affect profitability?
• Is the business big enough to generate an acceptable level of income?
• Are there sufficient financial resources for business growth so that the farm can maintain or improve its long-term competitive position?

This program uses a case study to cover the material contained in ID-243, Key Financial Performance Measures for Farm General Managers, EC–712, Measuring & Analyzing Farm Financial Performance and material on the Strategic Business Planning for Commercial Producers' web site.
CONTACT: Alan Miller (765)494-4203, millerwa@purdue.edu
                        Michael Boehlje (765)494-4222,  boehljem@purdue.edu
                        Craig Dobbins (765)494-9041,  cdobbins@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Improving Communication in the Family Farm Business
AUDIENCE: Multi-Operator Family Farm Businesses
TIME:            5-6 hours workshop

Farms continue to grow in size. In this process, a new generation of management may join the business or full-time employees may be hired. In order to maintain a smoothly operating family and a smoothly operating business, good interpersonal communication is critical. This workshop will explore how our personal preferences influence communication. Participants will be asked to complete the Meyers-Briggs type indicator prior to the workshop. Tools for defining the various business roles and expectations of the people involved in the business and other stakeholders will be discussed and used.

Multi-county meetings are encouraged. A registration fee of approximately $25 will be charged to cover the costs of materials and refreshments. Pre-registration will be required.

CONTACT: Janet Ayres (765)494-4215 ayres@purdue.edu
Alan Miller (765)494-4203 millerwa@purdue.edu
Craig Dobbins (765)494-9041 cdobbins@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          To Store or Not to Store?

AUDIENCE: Grain Farmers, Grain Elevator Managers, Lenders
TIME:            1.5 to 2 hours

Grain storage is a costly activity for farmers and should be viewed as a “profit center.” Thus, this program is designed to improve market management decisions to help maximize returns from storage activities. The program examines the economic returns from storing grain and soybeans in Indiana. It examines the costs of storage at both the elevator and on-farm storage. The profitability of storage is evaluated in two ways. These are as a return for storing with the grain un-priced (storage speculation) and from storage with the crop hedged in the futures market (priced storage). Does storage pay? This question will be explored by summarizing the historical returns to storage over the past decade for Indiana corn, soybeans, and wheat. Guidelines will be provided for such questions as: How long to store; What are the characteristics of years that provide the best storage returns; In what years should storage be avoided; Is it better to store corn, soybeans, or wheat; What are the best pricing strategies for stored grain, and Should I build more on-farm storage?

CONTACT: Chris Hurt, 765-494-4273 e-mail hurtc@purdue.edu; or Corinne Alexander, 765-                                    494-4249 e-mail cealexan@purdue.edu

TOPIC: Agricultural Outlook, Grain Outlook, Livestock Outlook, Land Values Outlook
AUDIENCE: Grain and Livestock Producers, Agribusiness Managers, General Public
TIME: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
The Agricultural Economics Department has an active program in Outlook. The goal of these programs is to help audiences understand how economic forces impact their businesses and to provide the expected general direction of markets. In September each year the Agricultural Outlook Campaign prepares a broad outlook program to highlight the upcoming year. This covers the General Economy, Ag Trade, Ag Policy, Corn , Soybeans, Wheat, Cattle, Hogs, Dairy, Poultry, Inputs, Land Values and Cash Rents. Each year a "Hot Topic" educational program is included which is summarized in 10 to 15 minutes.
Members of the Department that prepare the September Campaign are often available to present outlook at other times. This includes both broad Agricultural Outlook such as the September Campaign, as well as commodity specific outlook such as Grain Outlook, Livestock Outlook, Trade Outlook, and Outlook for Land Values.
CONTACTS: Members of the department who do general outlook include:
                        Chris Hurt, 765-494 4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu
                        Mike Boehlje, 765-494 4222, e-mail: boehljem@purdue.edu
                                                Corinne Alexander, 765-494-4249, e-mail: cealexan@purdue.edu
                        Alan Miller, 765494-4203, email: millerwa@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Charting Commodity Prices
AUDIENCE:  Grain and Livestock Producers, Investors
TIME:            1.5 hours up to a ½ Day Workshop
Technical price analysis is a form of evaluating price patterns that does not rely on the supply and demand factors to predict price direction. Technicians believe that all the information in the marketplace is contained in the price, that prices tend to move in trends, and that price patterns repeat themselves. Thus they believe that technical analysis can help predict coming prices. This program is an introduction to technical analysis techniques and includes the following topics: The concept of technical analysis; Does technical analysis work; Drawing bar charts; Bar chart price trends, patterns, and signs of reversal; Trend following with Moving Averages; and Momentum indicators. Use of these technical indicators for buying and selling signals will be applied to current markets for major agricultural commodities. Tips for integrating technical analysis into a farm marketing program will be developed. Finally, web-sites will be shown that provide free computerized charting of the indicators studied for corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle, and hogs.
CONTACT: Chris Hurt, 765-494 4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Know Your Indiana Grain Price Patterns
AUDIENCE: Grain Producers
TIME:            1.5 to 2 hours
One of the most helpful tools in pricing grain is to understand price patterns and what causes them. Many analysts believe that patterns tend to repeat, so a study of historical patterns helps anticipate future price movement. Long term and cyclical patterns are covered as are seasonal price patterns on futures, basis, and Indiana cash prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat. Price patterns are examined by year to form guidelines in selecting marketing strategies that fit a given type of year. One result of studying price patterns is to develop timing windows which present higher likelihoods of favorable pricing. Also included are the seasonal odds of price change which helps in decisions of how long to store, as well as patterns of price volatility which help understand the degree of risk taken by holding a market position, and the pricing of option premiums. All this is rolled into an educational package to help producers increase their decision making skills in marketing. Those in attendance should have at least some knowledge of futures and options markets.
CONTACT: Chris Hurt, 765-494 4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Grain Marketing Workshops
AUDIENCE:             Grain Producers, Brokers, Grain Elevator Managers, Speculators
TIME:            2 hours to day long workshops
The dynamics of the marketplace provides challenges to everyone. Commodity markets are not only exciting, but are also a necessary part of farming. Making sound marketing decisions is critical to the financial position of the farm business. The topics listed below can be used as stand alone programs in a 1.5 to 2 hour session or combine to form the basis of longer workshops. In addition to Purdue staff that can make some of the presentations, it is suggested that additional outside speakers and local individuals be part of a workshop program. These individuals include, Financial Loan Officers, Grain Elevator Managers, Commodity Brokers, and Market Advisory Service Representatives. Topics include:
Establishing Marketing Objectives and Making Decisions
Developing a Marketing Plan
Basic Concepts of Futures Markets
Using Options in a Farm Marketing Program
Understanding Grain Basis Patterns in Indiana
How to Use Grain Grades and Discounts to Your Advantage
Does It Pay to Store Grain In Indiana?
Using Seasonal Grain Price Patterns in Marketing
Introduction to Price Charting
Pricing Strategies That Control Risk or Increase Returns
CONTACTS: Chris Hurt, 765-494 4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu
                        Corinne Alexander, 765-494-4249, e-mail: cealexan@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Livestock Marketing Tips
AUDIENCE: Livestock Producers, Brokers, Livestock Marketing Agents
TIME:            1 hour to 4 hours
Program topics can vary around local interest and can include hogs and beef cattle. A four hour workshop might involve additional persons from the local area. Some of these topics may also fit with Swine Day, Beef Day, or Forage Day types of programs. Topics which can be considered are:   Cash and Futures Price Patterns
         Seasonal Price Patterns
         Livestock Cyclical Price Patterns
         5 Futures and Options Pricing Strategies
         Carcass Merit Selling: What to Watch For
         Future of the Beef Industry
         Future of the Pork Industry
         Developing a Livestock Marketing Plan

CONTACT: Chris Hurt, 765-494-4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Exploring Opportunities in Specialty Markets
AUDIENCE: Farmers and people thinking about farming
TIME:            4 to 6 hour workshop
This workshop offers insights into trends, market requirements and marketing tools that are helpful in accessing specialty markets.  Break-out sessions focus on particular specialty markets including alternative livestock enterprises, alternative horticultural enterprises, specialty grains and food enterprises. 

CONTACT: Corinne Alexander (765) 494-4249, cealexan@purdue.edu
                        Jennifer Dennis (765) 494-9812, jhdennis@purdue.edu
                                                Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu
                       
                  

TOPIC:          Bankers Agricultural Clinic
AUDIENCE: Bankers
TIME:            8 hours December 4, 2008 at Purdue

The clinic provides a wide range of general and concurrent sessions addressing the issues facing agricultural bankers. The clinic also provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to interact with agricultural lenders from throughout the region.

CONTACT:  Laurie Rees, Indiana Bankers Association, (317) 387-9380
Freddie Barnard, (765) 494-4242, barnardf@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Beginning Aquaculture Workshops

AUDIENCE: People interested in alternative agriculture, farmers, and aquaculture producers.
TIME:            Variable .

Many farmers have expressed interest in fish farming and would want to know what it entails, especially what investments are required, the potential returns from such investments, and marketing of products.  The major focus of the workshop will be things to consider before getting into aquaculture, the economics of production, marketing, presentation of various costs estimates for different aquaculture species, and introduction to aquaculture production systems. The sessions will be conducted at various Purdue Extension County offices.

CONTACT:  Kwamena Quagrainie, 765-494-4200, Email: kquagrai@purdue.edu
                        Thomas Springstun, 812-752-8450/8451, Email: tsprings@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Commercial Vegetable and Specialty Crop Production
AUDIENCE: Commercial vegetable and specialty crop growers, and new potential growers.
TIME:            Variable

Regional and local educational programs on commercial vegetable and specialty crop production and marketing are held throughout the year in various locations in the state. The largest vegetable and specialty crop grower's meeting is part of the Indiana Horticultural Congress (January 19-21, 2009, Indianapolis).

Other Annual Meetings include vegetable programs in Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Indiana; a direct marketing workshop for small horticulture operations and farmers, and the Mint Growers School in Northern Indiana. See the Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Connection website www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/ for an up-to-date listing of meetings. Additional programs may be scheduled by contacting appropriate staff members. Multi-county programs are encouraged if possible and appropriate. Program topics range from introductory to advanced vegetable and specialty crop production including in-depth coverage of particular crops and/or production practices such as: ways to enhance early season production, selection of varieties, transplant production, plasticulture, weed, insect and pest control strategies, new crops, specialty crops, organic vegetable production, herb and flower production, starting new ventures, marketing tools for direct markets, and more. Formats include lecture/slide presentations, workshops, and outdoor field or twilight meetings at grower farms and Purdue Research Centers.

CONTACT: Liz Maynard, (219) 785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu
                        Chris Gunter, (812) 886-0198, gunterc@purdue.edu
                        Jennifer Dennis (765) 494-1352 jhdennis@purdue.edu
                        Steve Weller, (765) 494-1333, weller@purdue.edu
                        Rick Foster, (765) 494-9572, rfoster@purdue.edu
                        Frankie Lam, (812) 886-0198 wkflam@purdue.edu 
                        Dan Egel, (812) 886-0198, egel@purdue.edu
                        Jim Barbour, (317) 253-0871, jbarbour@purdue.edu
                        Roy Ballard, (812) 948-5470, rballard@purdue.edu

 
TOPIC:          By-products Generated from Bio-fuel Production Can be Feed to Dairy, Beef, Swine and Poultry
AUDIENCE:             Dairy, beef cattle, swine, and poultry producers have new opportunities to make cost efficient use of by-products like DDGS, CGF, and CGM to economically feed their livestock, but problems such as storage, handling, flow of product, and proper ration formulation exist which can compromise financial returns.
TIME:            4 to 4 1/2 hours (probably 10 AM-3 PM)

Indiana has a quickly expanding ethanol and other bio-fuel industry.  The number of ethanol refineries in operation has increased from three to more than seven in 2006-2007.  Ethanol plants are being planned and built with the volume of ethanol being the main objective with little thought about efficient use or disposal of the by-products. The workshop will focus on use of the wet or dried distillers as a by-product with high protein and energy feed values for livestock...  In this workshop, the pricing, transportation, storage, and handling of these feed stuffs will be discussed.  Much of the time will be spent assisting producers and their feed advisors with developing cost efficient rations and planning feed delivery and storage of the by-products.  Production problems that can result from feeding too much distillers grains, testing for product quality and prevention of excessive product spoilage will be shared with participants.  In addition, there will be detailed discussion of problems with animal product quality if too much of these by-products are fed at the wrong time of the animals production cycle.

CONTACT:  Todd Applegate (765) 496-7769, applegt@purdue.edu
Klein Ileleji, (765) 494-1198, ileleji@purdue.edu
Tim Johnson, (765) 494-4810, tjohnso2@purdue.edu
Ron Lemenager, (765) 494-4817, rpl@purdue.edu,
Kenneth Foster, (765) 494-1116 kfoster@purdue.edu
Mickie Latour, (765) 4948011, latour@purdue.edu
Brian Rickert, (765) 494-4837, brickert@purdue.edu
Allan Schinkel (765) 494-4836 aschenkel@purdue.edu
Mike Schutz (765) 494-9478, mschutz@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Organic Livestock Producers
AUDIENCE: Certified Organic and Transitional Organic Livestock Producers
TIME:            Variable

Regional and state meetings of growers interested in Organic, transitional organic and grazing systems have informally met at the Northern Indiana Dairy Conference (Shipshewana) and in Central Indiana (Indianapolis) for the Indiana Dairy Conference (IDC),  In 2007 the Dairy Conference meeting will be moved to Middlebury, and an additional meeting could be held by the South Central Indiana Forage Council or Indiana Beef Cattle Association in Salem or Evansville. These meetings typically held with commodity association or organizations usually have a formal program, followed by a question and answer period for problem solving.  These conferences often include a trade show and a program given by state extension specialists or invited speakers from outside Indiana.  Additional state meetings, farm tours, and field days are also held periodically around the state.  A concentrated effort to meet the educational needs of Organic livestock producers will be undertaken to explore controlling animal health without antibiotics, following approved production practices, and marketing under the USDA Organic Standards listed in the National Organic Practices (NOPs) instituted in 2002. Purdue offered an Introduction to Organic Agriculture by IP video to sites in Indiana and Illinois in 2006 (funded by SARE State PDP funds). A similar program is being planned for the Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan in 2007 where issues of concern to Organic grain forage and livestock producers will be addressed.

CONTACT: Tim Johnson, (765) 494-4810, tjohnso2@hort.purdue.edu
Mickie Latour (765) 494-8011 latour@ces.purdue.edu        
Jerry Nelson (317) 745-9260  jnelson@purdue.edu,
Jon Cain (317) 745-9260 joncain@purdue.edu
Ralph Williams, (765) 494-4560, rwilliams@purdue.edu
Corrine Alexander, (765) 494-4249 cealexan@purdue.edu
Joe Balagtas (765) 494-4298, jbalagtas@purdue.edu
Mark King, Central Indiana Organic certifier tmarkking@earthlink.net
Cissy Bowman and Aaron Zeis, Southern Indiana Organic certifiers (317) 539-4317

TOPIC:          Writing a Successful Grant Proposal
AUDIENCE:             Producers, Small Business Owners, Extension Educators, General Audience
TIME:            3 Hours Spring/Fall

This informative workshop is structured with extensive audience interaction on how to write successful grant proposals.  The workshop covers the keys to a successful grant proposal, information on upcoming grant applications, deadlines, and specific requirements. Dr. Joan Fulton covers the topics of keys to a successful grant proposal and provides participants with tips from the publication EC-737 (http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/EC/EC-737.pdf).  The workshops are timed to occur 3 – 6 weeks before the due date of a particular grant that a segment of the Extension audience will be interested in. In the fall the focus is on the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Rancher grant. Dr. Rick Foster provides the background requirements for the SARE grants, along with examples of projects that have been successful for funding in the past. In the spring the focus is on the Value-Added Producer Grants from Rural Development, USDA. Jerry Hay of the Indiana USDA Rural Development Centerprovides the background requirements for theses grants.

CONTACT:    Maria Marshall (765) 494-4268 mimarsha@purdue.edu

TOPIC:                      The Economy and You – Housing Crisis, Deficits, and The Dollar
AUDIENCE:             Almost Anyone
TIME:                        40 minutes after a meal, 1-2 hours, or a full half day policy meeting.

CONTACT:  Otto Doering, (765-494-4226), doering@purdue.edu or
                        Larry DeBoer, (765-494-4314), ldeboer@purdue.edu

TOPIC:          Managing Margin Risk
AUDIENCE:             Grain Producers, Brokers, Grain Elevator Managers
TIME:            5 week course
Managing margin risk has become incredibly important for producers given commodity price volatility and input cost increases.  While record profits are possible at these prices, producers must simultaneously manage price risk and input cost risk to maintain profitable margins.

The objective of this program is to provide producers with the tools to determine their breakeven prices, marketing plans, crop insurance decisions and leasing options with the end goal of being able to “lock in” profitable margins. 
Topics include:

• What is margin risk?
• What direction are input costs going?           
• Breakeven analysis for farm enterprises
• How do leasing arrangements affect my bottom line?

• Introduction to crop insurance alternatives

• The Farm Bill offers new choices

• ACRE
• SURE

• How does your crop insurance decision affect your ACRE decision?

• Market volatility and dynamics
• The importance of basis
• Basic pricing alternatives at the elevator

• How do crop insurance and marketing work together?
• Putting it All Together in a Plan to Manage Margin Risk

CONTACTS: Luc Valentin, 765-494-0468, lvalent@purdue.edu
Chris Hurt, 765-494 4273, e-mail: hurtc@purdue.edu
George Patrick, 765-494-4241, e-mail: gpatrick@purdue.edu
Corinne Alexander, 765-494-4249, e-mail: cealexan@purdue.edu