Summit attendees to receive valuable insight into today's ag credit conditions

Variability and trends in farmland value and land rental rates are critical to any farming operation and the vitality of the rural economy, and for many farmers, rent is the biggest expense for the farm operation.  That’s why Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2016 Economic Summit, “Buckle Up for Bumpy Ride,” to be held June 27 in West Des Moines, will help provide the valuable analysis farmers need to plan for the future. 

Dave Miller, director of research and commodity services for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), says it’s often challenging for farmers and those in agriculture to find current information sources on land value trends and fluctuation in land rental rates.  Unlike daily futures markets for commodities like corn or soybeans, it’s harder to find credible information on land price and rental trends, according to Miller. 

“It’s important to get a view from someone in the business who can see trends in land prices and rental rates on a broader, statewide basis,” Miller explains.  “That’s what we hope to provide to attendees of our 2016 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit.” 

This year’s Economic Summit features a panel of farm management and lending experts who will examine the trends in land values and rental rates.  Additionally, the experts will look at today’s ag credit conditions and provide a future outlook.  Miller says this is crucial since commodity prices have declined and cash flow is under extreme stress.

“The information from this panel at the Economic Summit should be helpful to those farmers who are looking into buying or selling land in a changed and turbulent market,” Miller says.  “It’s also going to be helpful for those farmers working with landlords to renegotiate leases.”

Attendees of the IFBF Summit will also receive a beneficial look into the factors that farm lenders consider when they extend financing to farmers.  With fluctuating commodity prices and a downturned ag economy, there is a lot of uncertainty and financial stress in farm country, so the in-depth analysis of the ag economy comes at a crucial time for farmers. 

The Economic Summit will also feature panels on other key issues facing farmers today, such as export trends, overall outlook for the U.S. farm economy, the effect of the U.S. Presidential election on the farm economy, and key technology such as big data and unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. 

Mike Pearson of IPTV’s Market to Market will moderate the one-day event which will be held at IFBF headquarters, 5400 University Avenue in West Des Moines on June 27, beginning at 7:30 a.m.  There will also be special panel discussions on key issues and experts to take questions.

Summit registration, which includes access to all presentations and lunch, is $75 for Farm Bureau members and $100 for non-members.  Register now for this essential risk management seminar.  Visit www.iowafarmbureau.com or call Lavonne Baldwin at 515-225-5633 or email lbaldwin@ifbf.org.