Will it make money? That’s the question Texas Agrilife Extension Service economists will address during an alternative crops profitability workshop set from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock.

The center is located on Farm-to-Market Road 1294, half a mile east of Interstate 27, just north of the Lubbock airport.

Dr. Jackie Smith, AgriLife Extension economist at Lubbock, said the workshop’s primary objective is to provide the tools, data and skills needed to evaluate the potential profitability of alternative crops for the 2010 crop year.

“During the workshop, we will demonstrate spreadsheet budgets that are specifically designed to assist producers in estimating their own costs, so they can quickly compare the profitability of any alternative crops they may be considering,” Smith said.

Each participant will receive a handout of the printed presentations and a set of the spreadsheet crop budgets. They also will get a CD containing an Excel file with the budgets and break-even tables, along with supporting files and Web addresses.

“By the end of the workshop we want all the participants to be comfortable with the budgets, so they can use them on their own computers with data more specific to their farm,” Smith said.

The workshop will also include crop input cost estimates and an outlook for crop prices.

Individual registration is $20 by check to be paid at the door. The fee includes all educational materials, lunch and refreshments.

For more information go to: http://southplainsprofit.tamu.edu or contact Smith at 806-746-6101.