University of Illinois Extension and members of the Farmdoc team will present a series of five Farm Economics Summit meetings to help farmers with key issues, including profitability and managing financial stress.

“Although very good crops in many parts of the state in 2016 helped incomes recover, the story of Illinois agriculture continues to be one of managing financial stress,” says U of I ag economist Scott Irwin. “The stress has been brought on by low corn, soybean and wheat prices, and costs of production that have adjusted somewhat slowly to the new price realities. Producers and landowners continue to face a series of difficult management challenges as they grapple with adjusting to the current environment of low grain prices.”

Speakers from the U of I Farmdoc team will explore the farm profitability outlook and management challenges from several perspectives, including the 2018 outlook for crop and livestock prices, soybean yield trends, a farm bill update, the financial position of Illinois farms, habits of financially resilient farm operations, and 2018 crop economics. The fast-paced meeting format will allow time for questions.

Irwin says farm owners, operators, ag lenders and agribusiness professionals will benefit from the information presented at this year’s summit.

The Farm Economics Summit will be offered at five different locations around the state of Illinois.

Dec. 18 DeKalb, Faranda’s Banquet Center
Dec. 19 Peoria, Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
Dec. 20 Springfield, Crowne Plaza
Dec. 21 Carlyle, Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery
Dec. 22 Champaign, iHotel and Conference Center

2017 summit speakers include:

• Jonathan Coppess, assistant professor, U of I
• Todd Gleason, media communications specialist, U of I
• Todd Hubbs, assistant professor, U of I
• Scott Irwin, professor, U of I
• Dwight Raab, CEO, Illinois FBFM
• Dale Lattz, U of I
• Nick Paulson, associate professor, U of I
• Gary Schnitkey, professor, U of I

Registration and coffee will begin at 7:45 a.m. Sessions will begin at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. The advance registration fee is $70 per person and includes lunch, refreshments and all meeting materials. The online pre-registration deadline is Dec. 11, which includes a $5 discount. Registration at the door is $75 per person as space permits.

For questions about registration, contact Nancy Simpson at [email protected] or 217-244-9687.

Source: University of Illinois