8/26/98

Contacts:
Keith Heffernan, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, (515) 294-0670
Judith Pim, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, (515) 294-6257
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

AG CONTRACTING THE FOCUS OF FALL POLICY CONFERENCE AT IOWA STATE

AMES -- Contracting is changing the way agriculture does business. Contracts and other business alliances will be explored at "Agricultural Contracts: Freedom or Restraint?", the 1998 Fall Policy Conference at Iowa State University on Sept. 4.

State and national experts will address how contracts are used in risk management and finance, food safety and quality, improving the environment and competitive advantage.

Purdue University agricultural economist Michael Boehlje will examine the recent flurry of agribusiness mergers and alliances, and how they may affect traditional farms and rural communities. He will discuss implications of increased use of contracts and other methods that allow farmers to market their products before production to reduce or share risk.

Mike Muston, president of Mycogen Seeds, will speak on opportunities associated with more than $200 billion in increased value flowing into the seed industry. He will highlight strategic issues that will continue to change agriculture, and discuss the fairness of investment and rewards across industries as it relates to contract agriculture.

The conference is sponsored by ISU's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), ISU Extension and ISU's Department of Economics. It also will mark CARD's 40th anniversary. Since 1958, the center has provided information and analysis for trade and agricultural policy, resource and environmental policy, food and nutrition policy, and rural and economic development policy.

Registration fee for the day-long conference at ISU's Scheman Building is $45 before Aug. 28 and $60 after. Student cost is $20. To register, call Deb Schmidt at (515) 294-5961. A registration form also is available on CARD's Web site: www.ag.iastate.edu/card/. For more information, call (515) 294-6257.

News Releases Agriculture in Action Ag Online Communications Skills Home