Source: Scott H. Irwin, 217-333-6087, sirwin@illinois.edu

To help producers navigate another season of agricultural challenges, University of Illinois Extension has scheduled the 2010 Illinois Farm Economics Summit, a series of five December meetings to be held across Illinois. The theme is "The Profitability of Illinois Agriculture: Managing in a Strong Ag Economy."

"A major issue over the past year was the weather, with the wettest and latest harvest in memory, a deluge of spring and summer rainfall in some places, and hot everywhere," said Scott Irwin, U of I professor of agricultural and consumer economics.

"In spite of all this, the economic outlook for Illinois agriculture is generally positive. High crop and livestock prices have bolstered incomes and balance sheets. In good times like these, producers can still use help managing farm businesses effectively and dealing with large risks," he said.

Program speakers will explore the farm profitability outlook and management challenges from several perspectives, including the direction of prices, outlook for farm returns, when to sell corn and soybeans, new tax legislation, land rents, and crop insurance choices. The fast-paced meetings will allow plenty of time for questions from the audience.

Each session begins at 7:45 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m. The registration fee is $50 per person and includes lunch, refreshments, and all meeting materials. Pre-registration deadline is Dec. 6. Registration at the door will be $65 per person as space permits.

Dates and locations are:

Monday, December 13, 2010 - Champaign, IL I Hotel and Conference Center

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - Sycamore, IL Center for Agriculture

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - Galesburg, IL Best Western Prairie Inn

Thursday, December 16, 2010 - Bloomington, IL Doubletree Hotel

Friday, December 17, 2010 - Mt. Vernon, IL Holiday Inn

Registration may be completed online at http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/.

Registration brochures are also available at local U of I Extension offices.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Sue Esposito at 217-333-5506.