Southwest farmers and ranchers face critical decisions in the coming months as they evaluate new farm program options, assess how lower commodity prices will affect cropping decisions and determine how high cattle prices and continued limitations on forage will influence herd rebuilding opportunities.

The 2014 Oklahoma State University Rural Outlook Economic Conference Oct. 31 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in Stillwater will offer the latest updates on these and other crucial issues.

“Have land prices peaked or can they continue to ratchet up?” asks Damona Doye, OSU Agricultural Economics Regents Professor and Rainbolt Chair of Agricultural Finance.

“High potential returns to beef operations are tempered by continuing drought. Oil and gas royalties also play into the land price picture,” she added. 

New insights into the “typical farmer” may change perceptions about Oklahoma agriculture. She says Oklahoma farmers are not necessarily the same as farmers in other parts of the country.

“Demographic information such as age, gender and race point to some changes within the state, and together with farm type information tells the story of how Oklahoma differs from other states.”

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The cattle industry offers challenges, says Derrell Peel OSU Agricultural Economics Charles Breedlove Professor. “Cattle producers are both excited and frightened by record cattle and beef prices in 2014.” Peel will discuss the implications for the beef cattle industry for the next several years. He expects more of the same for next year.  “Even higher prices are ahead in 2015,” he says.

Jody Campiche, OSU agricultural economics assistant professor, will take on the new farm program. “Implementation of farm bill commodity programs has kicked into high gear with the release of final program rules, decision tools, and enrollment dates,” Campiche says.  He’ll offer an overview of the latest developments. 

Michael Swanson, senior vice president and ag economist ,Wells Fargo Bank N.A., discusses agricultural and global markets. “You are only one handshake away from China demand," he says.  "Do your have plan to deal with this dynamic?”

He says farmers have to understand the global market. “Landlords are paid by the acre and farmers are paid by the bushel.  Keep that straight in your mind and success will follow.”

The conference agenda includes:

Outlook Panel:

Registration is $50 before Oct. 24 and $70 at the door. Registration fee includes a reception on Thursday evening, breakfast, lunch and all breaks. To register online with credit card (http://orangehub.okstate.edu/), choose

Agricultural Economics store. For more information or to register with check, contact [email protected] (405-744-9813) or [email protected] (405-744-9836).