Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Steve Amosson, 806-677-5600, samosson@ag.tamu.edu
AMARILLO – To help producers understand and manage their way through volatile markets using a variety of marketing tools such as futures and options, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Risk Management Agency will offer a one-day “Intro to Futures and Options” workshop at six locations across three months.
A record corn crop, adequate-to-surplus supplies of all crops in the U.S. and world markets, and the lowest cattle inventory in 60 years are just some of the factors that will lead to volatile markets in 2014, said Dr. Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo.
“Crop and livestock producers need to know how to use all the marketing tools available to help ensure their profitability for the upcoming year,” Amosson said.
Specific topics covered will include: an introduction to futures and options markets, margin accounts, short hedges and how these tools relate to cash marketing tools, he said. A number of examples and hands-on exercises will be used to enhance the learning experience.
The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The fee is $50 and will cover costs associated with instruction, breaks, meals and materials, he said.
The meeting dates and locations are:
– Jan. 27 – First State Bank, 1601 E. 16th St., Dalhart
– Jan. 28 – O’Loughlin Center, 502 S. Brandt St., Spearman.
– Jan. 29 – Ochiltree Expo Center, 402 Expo Dr., Perryton.
– Feb. 11 – Roberts County Courthouse Annex, 122 Waters St., Miami.
– March 5 – Wheeler County Ag and Family Life Center, 7939 N. U.S. Highway 83, Wheeler.
– March 6 – AgriLife Extension office for Deaf Smith County, 903 14th St., Hereford.
To register and pay for a course, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu. While this is the preferred method of registration and payment, Amosson said, payments also will be accepted at the door. Registrations, however, should be made at least three days prior to each meeting for planning purposes and may also be completed by contacting Leon Guerrero at 806-677-5626 or lguerrero@ag.tamu.edu or the appropriate AgriLife Extension county office.
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