CAS' John Mangus and K-State's Dr. Terry Kastens and Dr. Kevin Dhuyvetter presented risk management and crop insurance information at the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leaders Conference held in Big Rapids, MI, on February 22 and 23, 2008.  The presentation was delivered as part of the CAS - USDA/RMA Risk Management Education Partnership to educate Michigan agricultural producers about risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance programs.

In a conference break-out session, Mangus presented an introduction to risk, risk management, and decision making.  The presentation covered basic principles of risk, risk management, and crop insurance.  Mangus also explained the importance of understanding a farm's cost structure as a basis for strategic decision making.  Finally, attendees learned about several decision-making structures that can be employed by producers facing both strategic and operational decisions.

Kastens and Dhuyvetter then presented "Future of Agriculture - Economies of Size and Trends in Agriculture" to over 250 participants attending the conference's Saturday afternoon general session.  The presentation included a range of important topics including trends in farm size, productivity, and management.  Expected technological changes were also discussed.  Attendees were encouraged to consider their personal interests and goals and then create a successful career in the agriculture industry of tomorrow.  

The presentation is available on K-State's AgManager.info website using this link.