DATE: 12/5/05

CONTACT/WRITER: Scott Mickey (803) 775-4580; (803) 418-9391

Clemson Extension offers marketing seminar for farmers

PAWLEY’S ISLAND – Their boardrooms may be barns, but farmers need marketing plans as much as any business executive. Clemson Extension Service is offering a marketing seminar to help farmers turn commodities into cash.

Executive Marketing: Developing a Marketing Plan will he held Jan. 10 - 13 at the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort on Pawley’s Island .

Cost is $350 for the course, materials, breakfasts and lunches each day. A special $295 registration fee is available to those who sign up before Dec. 16.

“Farm operators will get an intense education over three days, covering market analysis; selling and pricing strategies; government programs; crop insurance; and understanding commodity trends and futures,” said Scott Mickey, Clemson Extension agent and program developer.

Receiving more than 16 hours of hands-on learning, participants will receive a 2006 marketing plan that’s based on farm costs and needed returns.

Mickey leads the teaching team that will include Edgar Woods and Brenton Bozard of Palmetto Grain Brokerage and Jeff Beal of Jerry Gulke’s Strategic Marketing Services.

Hotel accommodations start at $49 per night. Call 800-845-1897 for reservations. Space is limited to 30.

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