Winter is a time that many producers take the opportunity to learn about the latest research, and plan on how to make what they learned help their production in the coming year. There are a few programs coming to the area in December that I wanted to highlight. If you have any questions, would like more information, or want to register for any of the programs, please call 620-793-1910 or email me at aboor@ksu.edu.
• “Fenceline Conversations” Beef producer meeting - Wednesday, Dec. 13
As beef producers plan and prepare for calving season, there are many items that need to be taken into consideration in regards to herd health. Join K-State Research and Extension, KSU Watersheds, Cottonwood Extension District, and Midway Extension District on Wednesday, Dec. 13, for a meeting for beef producers. KSRE specialists will be on hand to discuss subjects such as heard health and winter feeding sites, current industry topics, protecting water supplies and cost share opportunities for operations including fencing, windbreaks and alternative water supplies.
There are two opportunities to be able to attend this meeting. The first one will be at the KSU Agricultural Experiment Station at 1232 240th Ave. in Hays. This will start at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided. The second meeting will be at 11:30 at Made From Scratch restaurant at 527 27st St. in Wilson. A buffet lunch will be provided.
RVSP’s are required to either meeting, but they are at no cost to producers. You can RSVP at the Cottonwood District offices at 620-793-1910 or 785-628-9430 for the Hays meeting. To register for the meeting in Wilson, contact the Midway district at either 785-472-4442 or 785-483-3157.
• “Farming for the Future” Conference in Pratt - Thursday, Dec. 14
Farmers and ranchers are currently experiencing one of the biggest downturns in history with many parallels to the 1980’s. Planning for the future is critical for the short-term viability of the farm business but also for the long-term growth and sustainability of the farming legacy.
This program will offer a variety of outlook talks to assist in planning for the upcoming years. Having a grasp of input costs and projected prices can assist in making equipment purchasing decisions, land rental arrangements, cattle and grain marketing plans, and more. Managing a farm’s financials will also be discussed, as it pertains to the current economic times.
The program schedule includes:
8:30 a.m. - Registration
9 a.m. - Overview of the Current Farm Financial Situation and Kansas Land Values & Rental Rates
10 a.m. - Input Cost Outlook
10:30 a.m. - Break
10:45 a.m. - FSA Programs
11:15 a.m. - Grain Market Outlook for 2018
Noon - Lunch
12:45 p.m. - Beef Cattle Market Outlook for 2018
1:30 p.m. - Macroeconomic & Interest Rate Outlook
2:15 p.m. - Break
2:30 p.m. - Farm Financial Management During Challenging Times
3:30 p.m. - Wrap-up
At the end of the program there will be sign-up opportunities to work one-on-one with a K-State Farm Analyst. These appointments will be locally offered approximately thrree weeks after the Farming for the Future program to assist producers in gathering their financial information and planning for the upcoming year and future direction of their business.
Registration fee for this program is $20 in advance (five days prior to meeting date) or $30 at the door. The program will be held Dec. 14 at Pratt Area 4-H Center, 81 Lake Road in Pratt. To register, call the Pratt County Extension Office at 620-672-6121 or go online to commerce.cashnet.com/KSUagecon
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-state Research and Extension. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
