ISU Extension to Offer 2011 Ag Market Outlook Seminars

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Unpredictable weather patterns, volatile markets and rising input costs will undoubtedly challenge producers in 2011. Iowa State University Extension, in partnership with Eldon C. Stutsman Inc.; Hills Bank and Trust Company; Latta, Harris, Hanon & Penningroth LLP; and Green Valley Ag & Turf are offering the 2011 Ag Market Outlook Seminars to provide producers with timely information to make the best decisions for their operations.

Two seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, in eastern Iowa. A breakfast seminar will be held in the lower level at Hills Bank and Trust Company, 3905 Blairs Ferry Road NE, in Cedar Rapids. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m. with the program starting at 8:15 a.m. Parking will be available at River of Life Church.

The lunch seminar will be held at the Hills Community Center in Hills, with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with the program beginning at 12:30 p.m. Both programs are offered free of charge.

Ag Market Outlook program features

• Elwynn Taylor, ISU Extension climatologist — discussing the 2010 weather patterns and what may lie ahead in 2011
• Chad Hart, ISU Extension economist — sharing the latest supply and demand figures impacting the grain markets and providing 2011 price projections
• Shane Ellis, ISU Extension economist (speaking at the Hills site only) — discussing livestock production numbers, the impact of high grain prices and livestock market projections for the upcoming year

To pre-register for the Cedar Rapids meeting, RSVP to Elaine Blythe at 319-866-7022 or Elaine_Blythe@hillsbank.com. To pre-register for the Hills site, RSVP to Carrie Ebel at 319-358-2272 or Carrie_Ebel@hillsbank.com by Monday, March 7.

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