Farmers from Keokuk County and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Pork Crisis Workshop Monday, January 18, in St. Mary's Church in Keota. The workshop, which begins at 7 p.m., is an offspring of the meeting held in St. Mary's just before Christmas. One hundred fifty area farmers, family members, and friends were present at that meeting. Program participants thought it was important to continue to meet, both to encourage each other and to learn as much as possible about nuts and bolts methods of surviving the crisis.

Subjects and speakers

Steve Reno, Iowa Attorney Generals Office, Ag Division, will talk about Swine Contracting, from facility contracts to finishing contracts and everything in between. Contracting has been heralded as the answer to producers' marketing and cash flow problems. Reno will review possible problems associated with contracting and will answer questions.

Shanna Cellman, Iowa State University Field Specialist, will talk about credit card use and how to avoid potential problems involved with using them in a swine operation. She will also speak about dealing with the stress of tight financial times.

Harry Tucker, Iowa State University Field Specialist, will review the Farm Financial Management Program. He'll show producers how they can use the program to determine profitability or loss for the future, and how they can use the program to work with lenders.

At least one representative from Farm Services Agency will be present to talk about programs available through their office.

The meeting will end with a question and answer period.

Everyone involved with swine or farming, or who cares about people involved with swine or farming, is invited to attend. A special invitation is extended to area clergymen and businessmen, as the planning committee feels it is important for everyone in the community to join together to help work through this problem.

Upcoming events

January 25, Pork ICN Keokuk County Center—Sigourney. Review of pork situation and latest developments.

January 26, Pork Marketing Seminar—Wapello County Extension Office, Ottumwa. John Lawrence will review puts, options, and review the basic premise of swine marketing.

February 2, Farm Financial Analysis Workshop. Pork Producers will work with Farm Management experts, and will project the probable profitability outlook for the swine enterprise in the next one to five years. (This is an invaluable tool to use with bankers to show the viability of a hog operation). You must pre-register to attend. There will be no charge and all information is handled on a private basis.

More information about these meetings will be provided as it becomes available.