Register now for Nov. 3 Crop Insurance Workshop in Enid

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Think of the 2017 Crop Insurance Workshop scheduled for Nov. 3 in Enid as essentially one-stop shopping for agricultural producers, lenders and educators; crop insurance agents and marketing consultants.

Trent Milacek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area agricultural economist, said the goal is the make it as easy as possible for participants to get the insights they need, from experts in Oklahoma and beyond.

“Our primary areas of focus this year are farm policy, price outlooks, tax law impacts and crop insurance products,” he said. “However, a key benefit of the workshop is the opportunity to interact with official speakers and fellow participants. Those conversations can be as valuable as the official sessions.”

A four-state collaboration by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Colorado State University, Kansas State University and OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the workshop will take place at Enid’s Autry Technology Center, located at 1201 W. Willow Rd.

Cost is $100 per participant if registering by Oct. 28 and $120 thereafter. Those interested in attending the workshop are encouraged to visit http://cropinsure.unl.edu and click on Workshop Registration to register. Registration also can be completed by mail using a workshop brochure available at Cooperative Extension county offices, typically listed under “County Government” in local directories.

The workshop will kick off at 8 a.m. with on-site registration, donuts and coffee. Sessions will begin at 9 a.m.

Stephen Fredrichs, legislative consultant for national crop insurance provider Rain & Hail, will lead the opening session about farm policy.

Kirby Smith, agriculture liaison for Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, will follow Fredrichs and provide further farm policy updates and insights.

After workshop participants enjoy a catered lunch, they will hear from Milacek and Kim Anderson, OSU Cooperative Extension grain marketing specialist. The duo will provide the latest updates and insights about the grain and livestock markets.

J.C. Hobbs, OSU Cooperative Extension tax education and farm management specialist, will then speak about the impact of tax law.

Art Barnaby, KSU Cooperative Extension agricultural economist, will finish the official sessions with a presentation on how the new farm bill likely will add new choices.

“In addition, a representative of the Oklahoma City Regional Risk Management Agency Office will provide an overview of whole farm revenue protection,” Milacek said.

Anyone seeking additional information about the workshop should contact Milacek by phone at 580-237-7677.