Master Marketer Program Offers June Seminar For Lenders

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Jackie Smith, (806) 746-6101, email: j-smith34@tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M’s Department of Agricultural Economics will offer a four-day seminar in June that is designed specifically for lenders, said a Texas A&M economist.

“This two part seminar is an in-depth risk management education program specifically designed for lenders who work with ag producers and agribusinesses,” said Jackie Smith, Extension economist based in Lubbock. “We will focus on understanding price risk, and the best tools available to manage that risk.
Highly volatile commodity markets and uncertainty about future farm programs underscore the importance of understanding risk and having a risk management plan in place.

“Producers and agribusinesses who can manage the risks of this environment stand a better chance of surviving and  thriving in the future. Lenders who understand risk and know about risk management tools and technology are better equipped to help their clients make better credit decisions, reduce their credit risk and remain in business.”

The four-day course will occur in two sessions, June 12-13 and June 26-27, at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio.

“The first two-day session will focus on marketing plans; basic marketing strategies and tools; crop insurance; contracts and hedging; weather’s impact on production and markets; seasonal price factors and cycles; and fundamental market analysis for feedgrains and livestock,” Smith said.

“Session two will focus on lender liability; legal issues; fundamental analysis of the cotton market; special contracts; identity preservation; the basics of technical analysis; comparative pricing and shock analysis; what makes a good manager; farm program alternatives; Texas A&M’s Farm Assistance program and other educational programs.”

Several expert instructors will lead these sessions, including: Carl Anderson, Wayne Hayenga, Danny Klinefelter, Joe Outlaw, Ken Stokes and Mark Waller, Texas A&M University; Alan Brugler, DTN Ag 1 director of research and commodity strategy; and Kim Anderson, Oklahoma State University
Extension economist. Texas Cooperative Extension economists Steve Amosson, Stan Bevers, Rob Borchardt and Smith will also teach segments of these sessions.

Registration for this intensive risk management education program costs $750 per person. The registration deadline
is May 15 –  checks should be payable to Texas Extension Education Foundation.

An optional introduction to futures and options workshop will be held on June 11, and is open to anyone who wants to refresh or increase their understanding of these tools, Smith added.

“Lenders who sign-up for this four-day program will receive a letter confirming their registration and additional details about the sessions,” he said. “The St. Anthony Hotel is located at 300 East Travis in San Antonio. The telephone number for room information is (210) 227-4392.”
 
Registration forms or more information on this event is available by calling Smith at (806) 746-6101; Danny Klinefelter,
at (979) 845-7171; Steve Amosson, at (806) 359-5401; or Joe Pena, at 830-278-9151.