by Eric Richer, Extension Educator
Ohio State University Extension-Fulton County will again be offering its Farm Management Series on Tuesdays in February. The series is for any farmer who raises commodity grain and livestock. This year’s program will focus on farm succession, financial and production planning. Additionally, the series will help farmers look at options for taking your farm a different direction to complement commodity production. This year the series is offered as a daytime program from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and includes lunch. Each session will feature guest speakers and content relevant to today’s farm management. The series, which runs February 6, 13, 20 and 27, is taught by a combination of Extension Educators and state specialists and private sector individuals.
On Tuesday, February 6, the series will emphasize transition and estate planning (farm succession). Topics will include working together to develop your farm’s business plan, answering 9 key succession planning, legal structures, getting your financial affairs in order and family communication.
Tuesday, February 13th will focus on financial planning. Time will be spent reviewing key farm financial statements and strategies including an Ag Lender/Professional panel at lunch. The afternoon will address ways to reduce family living expense and financial stress as well as taking a hard look at the value of enterprise analysis on your farm.
February 20th will be spent looking at key production planning areas of farm management. Speakers will address the outlook for inputs, best management practices for leasing or buying, and calculating your cost of production. Additional sessions will focus on the CAUV property tax production formula and converting your farm to natural gas.
The final session of the series on February 27 will conclude with a day full of guest speakers who will offer options for “taking your farm a different direction” to complement commodity production. The buffet of topics will include transitioning to organic, swine production, agri-tourism, barley production in Ohio, and non-GMO grain opportunities.
The total cost for the series is $60 or $20 per day session if pre-registered by February 1. Registration after the deadline will still be accepted but the cost goes up to $70 for the series or $25 per session. Registration includes materials and lunch. Support for this series is provided in part by Farm Credit Mid America, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Metamora State Bank, Sherwood State Bank and Ag Credit. The farm management series will be held at the Robert Fulton Ag Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, Ohio 43567. The registration form can be downloaded at www.fulton.osu.edu or call 419-337-9210 or email richer.5@osu.edu for more information.