To educate cotton producers about options and futures contracts, and what they can do to increase their profitability potential for the 2009 crop season, Cotton Incorporated is holding a free "Cotton Price Risk Management and Pricing Strategies" seminar in Coalinga, Calif., on March 11, 2009. The information-rich workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Harris Ranch.

“The seminar will cover the basics, as well as some of the more intermediate information related to cotton futures and options, specific hedging strategies involving the use of cotton options contracts and real world applications,” says Cotton Incorporated’s Director of Agricultural Research and Ag Division staff economist, Dr. Jeanne Reeves. “Knowledge of these market-based strategies is critical for increasing the bottom-line of producers, and we encourage them to attend this seminar at no cost.”

Speakers at the conference will include Dr. Carl Anderson and Dr. John Robinson from Texas A&M University. They will discuss when and how to use a variety of option strategies including: fences, 3-ways and calendar back spreads. Dr. O.A. Cleveland, a cotton marketing specialist, will give a cotton market outlook. Robinson will also offer a production cost outlook. Other topics will include Hedging Countercyclical Payments and Market Volatility.

Attendance of this seminar is free, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited; please register to reserve your seat. To register, contact Kay Wriedt at (919) 678-2271 or [email protected].

About the Cotton Board:

The Cotton Board administers and oversees the Cotton Research & Promotion Program conducted by Cotton Incorporated and funded by America’s cotton producers and importers. The Program works to increase the demand for and improve the market position of cotton. For more information about the Cotton Board, visit www.cottonboard.org.