MANHATTAN, Kan. – Weather on the High Plains has always been fickle, but this year has been extreme – even for Kansas. Going from a several-year drought to sometimes flooded fields and full ponds in a few short months make for unusual times for agricultural producers. Those circumstances and more will be addressed at Kansas State University’s 2015 Risk and Profit Conference planned for Thursday, Aug. 20-Friday, Aug. 21.
The conference will be held at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan.
Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University professor of agricultural meteorology, will give the keynote address, “Extreme Weather for Crops: Too Dry, Too Wet, and Even Ideal,” after the kickoff luncheon Aug. 20. His knowledge of the world enlightens and entertains in a clear, concise way.
Gary Brester, professor of agricultural economics at Montana State University, will present, “Whither the Cattle Cycle? Drought or Something Else?” to start the day Aug. 21. His research includes livestock and grain, risk management, international trade and farm management.
Keith Coble, the W.L. Giles Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, will address, “Future Farm Policy and Drought Risk” prior to lunch on Aug. 21. He has analyzed how farmers can use futures contracts, crop insurance, and federal commodity programs. His work in renewable energy focuses on federal policy and economic feasibility.
Adrian Polansky, executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Kansas, and Ron Suppes, Kansas Wheat commissioner and former chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates, will participate in a panel discussion Aug. 21.
K-State Research and Extension agricultural economists Glynn Tonsor and Dan O’Brien will give their outlooks for the livestock and grain markets, respectively.
With 18 breakout sessions ranging from “Do Kansas Farmers Pay Taxes” to “Chipotle” to “Looking to the Future for the Kansas Grain Industry: Elevators, Railroads and Services,” attendees can choose from a variety of topics, presented by K-State specialists.
The fee to attend the full conference is $175 if paid by Aug. 14 and $200 after that date. The fee includes all sessions, plus proceedings on a CD, parking, and meals. Additional participants from the same business may attend at a reduced rate. The fee to attend one day is $125 if paid by Aug. 14; $150 after that date.
Registration is available online at www.AgManager.info/events/
