Risk management workshop for farmers scheduled for March 5

Delmarva farmers interested in learning more about protecting commodities revenue and crop insurance sign-ups before the March 15 deadline can attend a free risk management workshop from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, Wednesday, March 5, at the Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown.

The event will feature Dr. Art Barnaby of Kansas State University presenting an interactive risk management workshop in which participants use marketing and risk management tools to optimize their revenue. Barnaby will also provide an update on the new federal Farm Bill and related policies.

Attendees should register in advance to make sure enough materials are available by calling 877-673-2767.

Grain and soybean farmers Mark and Dennis Wilson of Smyrna, who have attended previous workshops by Barnaby, said the tools he introduces are valuable.

"Art puts things in terms farmers understand," Mark Wilson said. "What we have learned has given us confidence to sell grain when the timing is right and protect ourselves if the market moves against us."

"It can help a farmer make the best out of a potentially bad situation," Dennis Wilson added. "What we learned at the Barnaby workshops has put money in our pocket."

Clif Parker, a retired Risk Management Agency professional, and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee will also speak. The workshop is sponsored by the Delaware Department of Agriculture through partnership funding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.