The 2016 Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference is set for August 3, 2016 at the Boling University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Registration and continental breakfast starts at 8 a.m. with the program concluding at 2:45 p.m. The registration fee for farmers and producers is $75, spouses and students are $25. For more information on registration please go to the Mid-South Ag Finance Conference website.
A steller ine up of speakers is again planned. Please see the agenda below.
8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:20 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
8:30 – 9:45 a.m. Positioning for Success in the Economic Reset Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech University The agriculture industry is in a major economic transition. The great commodity super cycle that fueled much of the income statement and balance sheet growth in agriculture is in the rear view mirror. What will be the emerging trends impacting agriculture and rural America’s bottom line in the short and long run? What are the latest trends and views in agriculture? What can you do to position your business for this economic reset?
10:00 – 10:50 a.m. Traits of Top Managers Dr. Matthew Roberts, The Ohio State University Dr. Roberts will explain how farmers need to think about risk in farming today. The ultimate risk is of failure; the secondary risk is of being outrun- but balancing these risks has never been as muddled as in today’s markets. Dr. Roberts will start with a farm’s balance sheet and cash flow and show growers how much risk they can bear, and then how they can use that to be better marketers.
11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Issues and Outlooks: Ag Policy Bob Young, Chief Economist & Deputy Executive Director, Public Policy The USDA released estimates for farm income and for 2016, it is projected to be down from levels seen as recently as 2013. The bottom line is that farmers are now facing a much different economic environment than was the case in the recent past. Mr. Young will discuss the issues in Ag Policy, and will give an outlook on what is to come. “Be cautious, but don’t be afraid.”
12:00 – 12:50 p.m. Agricultural Finance Luncheon (University Center Ballroom)
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Commodity Prices and Marketing Outlook: Major Trends Affecting Your Bottom Line Richard Brock, President, Brock Associates Continued uncertainty in the domestic and global economies associated with input costs, developing nation demand, and government policies are shaking up the commodity markets. Richard Brock’s straight-forward analysis will help get lenders and producers on the same page as they manage risk and make operational and financial decisions. Mr. Brock’s up-to-date analysis of corn, soybean, and cotton price trends will provide a basis for decision making in the coming year.
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Expert Panel Q&A and Adjourn Dr. David M. Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech University Mr. Richard Brock, Owner and President, Brock Associates Dr. Matthew Roberts, The Ohio State University Bob Young, American Farm Bureau Federation
