Marketing has always been a part of farming, but agriculture has changed dramatically over the past few years and producers are learning that it’s now a whole new ball game. There are new rules, new stakes, new players and most of all, new tools. To help farmers put together a winning grain marketing game plan, the University of Minnesota Extension Service has developed a series of programs titled, “Winning the Game 1: Gain the Pre-Harvest Marketing Advantage” and “Winning the Game 2: Launch Your Marketing Plan”. These innovative workshops are offered throughout the state this winter. Do you know how to get a better price for your grain? Increasing your average price per bushel by 10 cents could increase your net farm income 33-50 percent and you can get there by eliminating mistakes! We’re pleased to invite you to this practical and highly regarded workshop: Winning the Game 1: Gain the Pre-harvest Marketing Advantage, or Winning the Game 2: Launching your Marketing Plan. AgStar Financial Services along with Federated Coops and New Vision Alliance are the local sponsors for these workshops. Presented by the Extension Service, Part 1 of this half-day workshop covers these topics: o Seasonal price trends in grain; o The role of crop insurance in a marketing plan; o A fast-paced marketing game that simulates spring and summer marketing, then compares your results against 15 years of actual market prices. Part II of the workshop will discuss the many changes in the crop insurance policy for 2004. Some of the policy provisions with changes include cover crops, added land, and organic farming. You may join us for Part II at 2 p.m. at any of the sessions for this Crop Insurance Update. Winning the Game 1: Gain the Pre-harvest Marketing Advantage will be held: Friday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Princeton Public Library. Winning the Game 2: Launch Your Marketing Plan will be held: Monday, Feb 2, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Michael’s Restaurant in St. Cloud. Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., American Legion in Buffalo. Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Padua Pub, Padua. Cost is $10 per person and includes meal and refreshments. Register by calling (800) 279-3618 or (320) 251-8850. Space is limited, so call soon and register to attend one of these workshops.
