The Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy Center and Nebraska Extension are teaming up for a comprehensive Farm Bill Decision Aid computer workshop. We need your help in getting the word out. Please share this information electronically and/or by mail to farm managers, bankers, insurance agents, farmers and landlords in your county. They are all expected to benefit by attending this workshop.
The hands-on training will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the new Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference (NIC) Center, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska. Extension educators that attend need to register with my office by January 12, 2015 as a grant has been applied for to defray Extension Educator registration costs. For more information give me a call at 402-821-2151 or rpryor1@unl.edu
The 2014 Farm Bill Commodity provisions are complex and nationally recognized Ag Economists Dr. Brad Lubben, UNL, and Dr. James Richardson, Texas A&M, will lead the training. Dr. Richardson is the author of new, cutting edge, computer decision tool, endorsed by USDA. Attendees will learn how to use the Texas A&M Computer Decision Aid, how to interpret the results and how managing risk is integrated into the model. Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPad, tablet or laptop computer.
Online pre-registration is now open until Monday, January 12, 2015. Participants need to pre-register at http://go.unl.edu/farmbill
The Texas A&M web based , software tool is intended for educational use and the insurance tool features will work through the 2018 crop year. The output uses 500 pseudo random possibilities and involves statistical probability analysis of future outcomes.
A new crop insurance tool integrated into the decision aid model will be of interest to all users and especially insurance agents.
The comprehensive workshop is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with morning registration and refreshments (including kolaches) available starting at 8:15 a.m. at the new NIC auditorium. There is a $30.00 registration fee which includes the noon meal, refreshments and meeting materials.
A flyer about the meeting and website that has more information is available at: http://saline.unl.edu/nebraska-farm-bill-texas-a-m-computer-training
-- Randy Pryor