OGLESBY - Farmland owners, operators and others interested in obtaining unbiased, research-based information about farm leasing and the economic outlook are invited to an ag seminar on Thursday, Jan. 25 at Illinois Valley Community College. Presented by University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit, the seminar will feature University of Illinois professors, Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Jonathan Coppess.

Schnitkey, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics and an Extension Specialist, will present a special program for landowners, operators and others interested to learn about the 2018 farm economic outlook and ag leasing options. Crop-share, cash rent and flexible leases will be covered as well as the farm economic outlook and cost centers. Price projections and returns to land will also be discussed. There will be time for questions/answers, so bring your questions that evening.

Coppess, assistant professor of law and policy, director of the Bock Agricultural Law and Policy Program and Extension Specialist-Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, will discuss farm programs including ARC and PLC, crop insurance options that reflect 2018 pricing and risks and current conservation programs that can benefit the bottom line for the producer.

Extension will host the special 2018 Farm Outlook & Ag Leasing Seminar presentations in Room CTC 124 at IVCC beginning at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required by Jan. 20; phone (815) 224-0889 or register online at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=17675. There is a $10 fee to attend which can be paid online or at the door.                   

For questions regarding the program, contact Daryle Wragge at (309) 364-2356. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please indicate when registering.