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From fertilizer prices to farm transitions, our upcoming business summit offers insights that can help you profit.

Mike Wilson, Senior Executive Editor

December 7, 2021

4 Min Read
Farm Futures Business Summit promo image

When will fertilizer prices come down? How do you make a smooth transition to the next generation? What will happen to the ag supply chain in 2022?

Successful operators soak up knowledge and insights to make informed decisions in their business, and that’s what’s in store for you at the 2022 Farm Futures Business Summit, Jan. 20-21, 2022 in Iowa City. Take a look at all the sessions we have in store for you here.

The summit focuses on life-long learning, risk management, and farm leadership. Sessions are designed to help you build business skills to navigate the complexities of farming.  We’ll join together to share ideas and engage with some amazing speakers as they convey fresh viewpoints. You will debate and discuss grain markets, learn about looming policy threats, discover new opportunities for your business, and network with other producers – all in two energy-packed days.

Dynamic speaker lineup

Compilation of Farm Futures Business Summit speaker headshots

Dr. Dave Kohl, ag economist emeritus from Virginia Tech, will be on hand to teach best practices and guide attendees through the global economic indicators to watch in 2022.  Iowa State economist Bobby Martens will give us the latest update on how supply chain disruptions could impact your farm operation.

In 2021 agriculture saw some worrying policy threats coming out of Capitol Hill. Farm Futures Ag Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka will share insights on regulations that could have a deep impact on your business planning. Jacqueline Holland, Farm Futures market analyst, will explain what happened to the global fertilizer supply chain, and what to expect in 2022.

Related:Business Summit set for Jan. 20-21, 2022

Business coach Dean Heffta will be on hand to help farm leaders improve communication skills and resolve conflict on the farm. He will also help young farmers identify the skills needed as they climb the ladder to senior management.

Farmland analyst Mike Downey will offer sessions on best ways to manage family farmland transitions. And Nutrien atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass will be on hand to explain the latest weather prediction tools and how to manage weather extremes.

Are carbon markets ready to go mainstream? Farmers want to participate, but they’re unsure how. A special session will offer advice on what to know before you sign a carbon contract.

Marketing help

The summit offers three sessions to help you understand and improve marketing skills. Ed Usset, grain marketing economist from University of Minnesota, offers an entertaining and unique look at the various ways farmers market, and shares how specific market strategies perform over time. Matt Bennett, an Illinois farmer and Channel Seed market advisor, will share his thoughts on how to lock in profit even in the worst-case scenarios. Advance Trading Inc. market advisor Tommy Grisafi will offer his long term outlook on the bull market.  

Related:Is it time for a farm financial checkup?

Ag Finance Boot Camp

The Farm Futures Ag Finance Boot Camp takes place a day prior to the summit, at the same. This one-day workshop is open to anyone who needs to brush up on financial planning and management skills. It includes dynamic sessions led by Farm CPA Paul Neiffer, ag bankers Curt Covington and Ashley Arrington, and grain market analyst Matt Bennett. Sessions include:

  • Financial reporting for your lender vs. financial reporting for your business.

  • What tools and metrics are needed to more effectively run the farm (KPIs, unitizing cost, breakeven analysis, capex analysis, and good enterprise budgeting techniques);

  • The high cost of farming – managing your business in an inflationary era;

  • Sharing financial information in farm transitions – how much is too much?;

  • How to monitor and use cost of production to make better marketing decisions;

  • How to position your business financially for growth

The Boot Camp takes place Jan. 19 and the summit takes place Jan. 20-21, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, You can read about the speakers and agendas, and register to attend, at www.farmfuturessummit.com. Or call 800-441-1410.

If you can’t make it in person, sign up for our virtual summit experience. You will receive access to the main auditorium sessions during the live event as well as have access to the files to view on-demand at your convenience. Sessions are accessible from your desktop or mobile device, and our live chat feature will allow you to engage in live question and answer sessions.

How will you unlock your competitive advantage? Remember: Knowledge is power.

About the Author(s)

Mike Wilson

Senior Executive Editor, Farm Progress

Mike Wilson is the senior executive editor for Farm Progress. He grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Ogle County, Ill., and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Illinois. He was twice named Writer of the Year by the American Agricultural Editors’ Association and is a past president of the organization. He is also past president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, a global association of communicators specializing in agriculture. He has covered agriculture in 35 countries.

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