Crop Price Volatility Worries Growers

A New York Times article published today explores the issue of crop price volatility and what it means for growers. According to the Times, interest in the issue is so great that an overflow crowd is expected at today’s CFTC forum on the stability of agricultural markets.

Today’s crop prices are favorable for many farmers. But the recent extreme volatility of the markets means growers must spend more time than ever on marketing the fruits of their labors. Wild swings in formerly stable cash and futures markets for crops are “turning already-busy farmers into reluctant day traders and part-time lobbyists,” according to the Times.

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Potential political candidates and those considering running for political office in the future are invited to attend a campaign management training seminar sponsored by Utah Farm Bureau April 23-24.

The seminar is designed for candidates running for public office, their spouses, and their campaign manager.  Additionally, individuals interested in running for public office in the future, or prospective campaign managers are also invited.  All are invited to attend together so they can learn and work as a team.

The seminar teaches how to evaluate the candidate and the electorate, analyze the issues, build a campaign structure, raise money, enlist allies, create coalitions, and get last-minute, election day voter attention.

The cost is $75 for Farm Bureau members or $125 for non-Farm Bureau members. Discounts are available for those attending as a team. More details and information can be found on the Campaign School Brochure, HERE.

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• Ag in the News - links to recent articles on Utah and American agriculture
• The April 2008 issue of the Utah Farm Bureau News is now online.
• Find current information on Utah's Farmers Markets HERE.
• April SISM dates: Cache County, April 22; Duchesne County, April 24; Emery County, April 15; Garfield County, April 14; Kane County, April 16; Piute County, April 14; San Juan County, April 2; Sanpete County, April 3; Sevier County, April 17; Summit County, April 15; Utah County, April 24; and Wayne County, April 7.
• Follow this link to the Utah Department of Agrictulture and Food to get the most up-to-date commodity and market prices available, including many of the local livestock auctions.
• Check the America's Heartland Web site for details on where and when the show airs in your market.
• The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, in conjunction with the University of California-Davis, are encouraging livestock producers to participate in an anonymous, Foot & Mouth Disease survey. Click HERE to read more and to get the link for the survey.

• Hotel Discounts. 20% Choice Hotels, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and Econo lodge. Save 10% off of the "Best Available Rate" for various hotel chains including Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Ramada and Days Inn with advance reservations.
• Sears Commercial and the Utah Farm Bureau have teamed up to provide an outstanding new member benefit! This benefit is not available through Sears Retail stores. CLICK HERE for more information on how to order.
• All-Day passes for Universal Studios or Legoland make great additions to a family's summer travel plans to Southern California in 2008.
• MORE