DATE: March 18, 2008
CONTACT:
Dr. Johnny Jordan, (864) 723-2785
jjordan@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241
tlollis@clemson.edu
Speakers to explore 'Agriculture at a Crossroads'
CLEMSON — The old Chinese blessing, “May you live in interesting times,” can easily be used to describe the state of agriculture in 2008, according to a Clemson University agricultural economist.
“With a growing ethanol industry, a looming world financial crisis and the new farm bill debate, U.S. agriculture is certainly living in interesting times,” said Johnny Jordan, Clemson University professor emeritus and executive director of the Southeast Agricultural Lenders School.
The university will host a one-day “Agriculture at a Crossroads Conference” May 1 featuring three of the most influential, thought-provoking and entertaining economists in the United States to discuss these “interesting times,” according to Jordan. The conference is the highlight of the 25th annual five-day Southeastern Agricultural Lenders School (SEALS), which will be held at the Madren Center on the Clemson campus.
“The SEALS program committee decided that the topics to be covered on May 1 were important enough to offer them to anyone who wants to attend,” Jordan said.
Dave Kohl, professor emeritus from Virginia Tech University, and Ed Seifried, professor of economics and business at Lafayette College will put some perspective on the world, U.S. and agricultural economies. Barry Flinchbaugh, agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, will ponder the new farm bill and what it means for all agricultural sectors. Industry leaders will take part in a panel discussion at the end of the day.
Jordan said that “earthquake changes” are on the horizon.
“They include record high crop prices; the developing biofuels industry, which turns agricultural products into energy; rising food costs caused by the impact of high feed prices on the livestock industry; and record high fertilizer and chemical prices,” he said.
“If the future of your business in the next decade depends on anticipating and adapting to all these changes, you need to attend this meeting,” Jordan said.
The program begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and concludes around 5:15. Flinchbaugh will speak at a banquet which begins at 6:45 p.m. Individuals can register at www.aglenderschool.com. For more information contact Scott Mickey, Clemson University farm business consultant and SEALS program coordinator, at cscfma1@ftc-i.net or Suzanne Coker at (803) 775-4580 or (803) 968-0645.
Space will be provided for up to 120 individuals for a registration fee of $150 before April 1. The cost goes to $200 after that.
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