Profitability in agriculture may seem as much of a moving target as it is in any other business right now.

To help agricultural producers, agribusinesses and others stay informed with the latest research-based information, Sedgwick County´s K-State Research and Extension Center will host a 2009 Ag Profitability Conference this year on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

The conference will be in the 4-H Hall at 7001 W. 21st St. North (21st St. North and Ridge Rd.) and will start with registration at 8 a.m. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and run to 3:30 p.m.

Moe Russell, founder and president of Russell Consulting Group of Panora, Iowa, will join K-State agricultural economists in leading presentations on an array of topics, including:

•Create Value for Beef Producers.

•SURE/Crop Insurance Changes.

•Land-Lease Arrangements.

•Fertilizer Profitability.

•Affordability of Technology.

•2008 Farm Bill.

•Trends in Production Agriculture.

•Building and Operating a Marketing Plan.

•Maintaining a Sound Financial Structure.

•Managing Risk in a Volatile Environment.

•Grain Outlook.

•Managing Livestock Price Risk.

Conference organizers are requesting a $15 registration fee by Dec. 5. That fee includes the cost of morning coffee, juice and rolls and a noontime lunch. For information or to register, interested persons can contact Gary Cramer at 316-722-7721

The conference is being co-sponsored by numerous businesses, as well as the Extension offices in Harvey, Reno, Butler and Sumner counties and K-State´s Department of Agricultural Economics.