By Scout Nelson
Ag Economic Dialogues offers valuable insights for farmers and ranchers aiming to optimize their operations and profitability. Hosted through free monthly webinars starting at 10:00 a.m. CDT, participants can engage remotely, whether from their homes, tractors, or combines. Each session delves into critical topics affecting agricultural production.
The webinars focus on current production issues, covering a range of essential factors. These include marketing dynamics like basis, cash prices, seasonality, volatility, and geographical variations, all crucial in determining the earnings per unit of produce or livestock. Economic considerations such as interest rates, depreciation, supply and demand fluctuations, and global trade patterns are also explored, impacting market prices significantly.
Moreover, production cost management is central, guiding decisions on feed sources, storage techniques, and optimal utilization of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. Understanding these inputs is integral to enhancing profitability and sustainability in farming operations.
Risk management strategies are another critical aspect covered, highlighting various crop and livestock insurance tools available to mitigate financial uncertainties.
To participate, interested individuals must register online to receive the Zoom meeting link. Registration can be completed via an accessible form or Eventbrite. For further assistance, Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist, is available to provide support and answer inquiries.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: South Dakota, Education