Ag Profitability Conference slated

An Ag Profitability Conference, sponsored by the K-State Wildcat Extension District, is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Methodist Church located on Highway 47 West in Girard. The meeting will begin with registration and refreshments at 9 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m.

K-State Research and Extension agricultural economists will provide updates on various economic issues farmers will be dealing with during the 2012 farming year. The conference will adjourn at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Kevin Dhuyvetter, ag economist at K-State, will talk about crop lease issues. Dhuyvetter will also discuss cow-calf economics. He has worked extensively with farmers throughout Kansas on the various aspects of leasing land for farming and analyzing the profitability of various production practices.

Art Barnaby, ag economist from K-State, will talk about crop insurance issues. Barnaby has worked extensively with the private crop insurance industry, RMA (risk management agency) and farm commodity groups on issues dealing with crop insurance.

Troy Dumler, extension ag economist in southwest Kansas, will give an update on the 2012 Farm Bill. Dumler will also report on the crop profitability outlook for 2012. He has focused much of his professional attention on analyzing how commodity programs in the new farm bill will impact farmers and ranchers.

Glynn Tonsor, ag economist from K-State, will give a beef and cattle market outlook.

Tonsor's current efforts are primarily devoted to a range of integrated research and extension activities with a particular focus on the cattle/beef industry.

There will be a registration fee of $10 to cover the cost of the meal and meeting facility. Contact the extension office in Girard at (620) 724-8233 by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, to help with the meal count.