ALTOONA, Iowa – For the second consecutive year, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer producers an online marketing opportunity that allows them to train and complete quizzes at their own pace.
The “Online Crop Marketing Course” offers a non-credit professional certificate, intended for row crop farming managers or those who simply want to learn more about marketing corn and soybeans.
Fourteen sessions and 13 quizzes were developed with input by Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist with Iowa State University; Steve Johnson, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; and Ed Kordick, farmer education program manager with Iowa Farm Bureau.
The sessions allow producers to explore futures price and basis movements, marketing tools and grain contracts that can help create a successful marketing plan. Users can review video presentations, learning activities and take educational quizzes.
A special emphasis is given to comprehensive crop market planning and price risk management.
The course is self-paced, with participants completing the content in an average of four weeks, after registration.
According to Johnson, the online format is appealing because producers can complete it at their own pace, and from their own home – whether that’s in Iowa or from another state.
“For the self-directed learner, they can decide how quickly they want to go through the material, without having to attend a workshop or seminar,” Johnson said.
The course opens Nov. 10, and users can progress through the course at their own convenience. All quizzes must be completed successfully by March 15, 2020, to
receive a professional certificate.
The registration cost is $200 and can be done online at https://www.agonline.iastate.edu/noncredit/crop-marketing.
Photo credit: Atelier 211/stock.adobe.com