Program designed to help producers deal with historic agricultural downturn
From grain growers to cattlemen, plummeting farm income across the country has agricultural producers searching for ways to survive the current, historic farm-economy downturn.
A new, one-day Kansas State University program, Top 10 Considerations to Navigate a Struggling Farm Economy, is planned in eight communities across Kansas. The program was developed by K-State Research and Extension to help producers think critically about how their farms might withstand the tough times.
The program will address some of the most critical aspects of farming operations – especially important in this time of low commodity and livestock prices. Kansas Farm Management Association data showed average net farm income, on an accrual basis in 2015, at $4,568 – down more than 95 percent from $128,731 in 2014.
Each presentation topic will provide a framework to evaluate options and opportunities. They include: maintaining working capital; restructuring debt; managing machinery expenses; family living expenses; enterprise diversification; safety nets; income tax management and more.
Presenters include nationally renowned K-State agricultural economists including Allen Featherstone, professor and agricultural economics department head, and Art Barnaby, professor and extension agricultural economics state leader. Also featured are Mykel Taylor, assistant professor and extension farm management specialist, and Gregg Hadley, assistant director of K-State Research and Extension.
Other K-State faculty members and KFMA economists will discuss key topics important to today’s producers.
The program in each location starts with sign-in at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch is included. Registration is requested at least eight days prior to the specific program you plan to attend.
Program dates, locations and telephone numbers to call for registration:
- Dec. 7 – Olathe – Olathe K-State Olathe Campus, 22201 W. Innovation Drive – 913-294-4306
- Dec. 15 – Parsons – Southeast Research and Extension Center, 25092 Ness Road – 620-724-8233
- Jan. 18 – Salina – Ambassador Hotel, 1616 W. Crawford – 785-392-2147
- Jan. 19 – Topeka – Shawnee Co. Farm Bureau, 3801 S.W. Wanamaker – 785-232-0062
- Feb. 6 – Hays – K-State Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave. – 785-628-9430
- Feb. 7 – Dodge City – Knights of Columbus Hall, 800 Frontview – 620-227-4542
- Feb. 8 – Colby – City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range – 785-460-4582
- Feb. 15 – El Dorado – Butler County Community (4-H) Building – 316-321-9660
Details about the program are available online at www.agmanager.info/events/top-10-considerations-navigate-struggling-farm-economy
