The Purdue Extension-Shelby County Office will be hosting an Ag Outlook Meeting on Monday, February 3rd starting at 11:30 AM in the Shelby County Extension Office Education Room. Purdue Ag Economist Michael Langemeier will present his forecast for Agriculture in 2020.

A lunch sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America will be provided.

Dr. Langemeier offers these thoughts before his arrival:

“Where is U.S. agriculture headed in 2020? Will low crop prices finally “turn the corner” and begin to recover, or are we locked in a period of low-for-long? Have the markets already factored in the trade deals?”

Indiana’s crops and the eastern corn belt had a rugged start last spring but most regions recovered. This program will discuss the latest local and national USDA yield estimates along with price prospects and potential marketing strategies for corn and soybeans.

Farmers have been trying to push costs per bushel lower. How much progress have they made and what are the prospects for lower input costs in 2020? How can crop farmers adjust to tighter, or even negative margins?

How will acreages shift among corn, soybeans, and wheat in 2020? What farm and agribusiness management strategies will work best in the current economic environment?

We have a new Farm Bill. What are some of the preliminary impacts as it is rolled out? What option should I pick to best benefit my farm?

What about land values and cash rents? How much did they change in 2019 and what might be the direction for 2020 and beyond?  What will be the drivers to watch?”

This program is free but we ask that you please register ahead of time so that we can plan the meal. Space is limited to the first 25 registrants.  You may e-mail shelbyces@purdue.edu or call the Extension Office at 317-392-6460 if you plan to attend.