Agriculture outlook for 2014 is topic of Purdue webinar

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Where the Indiana agricultural economy might be headed in 2014 will be the topic of a webcast from Purdue University on Aug. 16.

The all-day program involves the in-depth outlook in 10 subject areas presented by professors from the departments of agricultural economics and animal sciences who are experts on their topics.

There is no fee, and no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to check the schedule for presentation times of topics of their interest. They can watch the program on their computers, tablets or smart phones.

The webinar will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT with a discussion of the prospects for the U.S. and global economy. This will be followed by an update of the agricultural policy stalemate in Washington, D.C., and the prospects for Congress working through their differences toward a new farm bill. That pathway looks uncertain, with Congress on break until Sept. 9 and the current law set to expire at the end of that month.

The prospects for agricultural exports from 2013 crops will be updated with hope for a recovery in corn sales, which were at the lowest level since 1970 after last year's drought.

"Agricultural trade prospects are generally closely related to farm income prospects," said Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension agricultural economist.

With a recovery in crop yields this year, grain prices will be much lower and incomes on crop farms will likely be lower as well, Hurt said. But he noted that lower feed prices would greatly improve income prospects for animal producers. These topics will be covered in the grain and livestock outlook presentations.

The outlook for land prices in 2014 should prove another popular topic.

"With the expected large drop in grain prices, landowners should be interested in the discussion of the direction of land values and cash rents in the coming year," he said.            

Additional presentations during the day will include dairy prices, crop inputs, 2014 crop budgets and food prices.

Webinar participants will see the visuals on their screen and hear the presenters' voice. They will also be able to submit questions through their electronic devices.

Additional details of the schedule and the connection requirements can be found at https://ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/Outlook-2014.aspx

Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu 

Source: Chris Hurt, 765-494-4273, hurtc@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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