By Brian Hefty

Whether your farm did well or poorly in 2012, I think we can all admit it was an educational year.  Look at all the challenges we faced in our region: drought, early season flooding, hard-packing early rains, nutrient stratification in some fields, rootworm resistance to Bt traits, weed resistance to Roundup & ALS & HPPD herbicides, spider mites, lodging & ear drop issues this fall, an extra flush of weeds & insects due to the early start to our growing season, widely variable commodity prices, shortages of seed & glyphosate & Liberty & soil insecticides, rising seed costs, new mini-bulk tank regulations, uncertain estate tax & income tax & capital gains tax rules, shrinking 179 & 168 deduction opportunities, changes in health care regulations, more land coming out of CRP, and much more.

When I look at that list a couple of times, I just say, “WOW…”.  One of the big things I learned a long time ago was that if you look at the challenges you face or all the things you need to get done, you can get overwhelmed quickly.  The important thing is to take it one step at a time.  Focus on what you CAN accomplish, rather than what you CAN’T do.

For example, many farmers get paralyzed by the fears of weather, commodity markets, and government regulations.  Don’t get me wrong.  These things can all be issues and major hurdles to overcome, but again, the important thing is to focus on what you CAN control.

That’s the reason why we host a series of Ag PhD Winter Workshops each year.  We’re not trying to sell you anything, nor are we going to give you some pie in the sky opinions about grain markets, the weather, or what our government “might” do sometime down the road.  What we will offer you is an opportunity to learn more about how to improve the yields and profits on your farm, regardless of what happens to all those “uncontrollable” issues.

When you look at that list I gave you of the problems farmers faced in 2012, we can’t solve them all, but we can minimize the impact the agronomic challenges present.  At this year’s Workshops we’ll talk about weed, insect, and disease control, especially when resistance is involved.  We’ll go through some new fertility information and concepts to build on some of the fertility discussions we’ve had at past Workshops.  We’ll discuss the new technologies that will be on the market in 2013 & 2014 so you are ready to capitalize on them without suffering the consequences of their weaknesses.  As always, we’ll get you this year’s information on rebate programs, so you can take advantage of additional savings opportunities, and we’ll go through some of the best agronomic plans to increase your yields and profits.  We’ll show you the data from our widely expanded on-farm research and information from other farms, too.  Just for attending our free agronomy Workshops, you’ll also receive a free agronomy manual, which we believe is our best ever.  Perhaps best of all, you’ll get the opportunity to visit with some of the other top producers in the region.  For me, that’s the part I like most.  The more people I can talk to, the more ideas I get on how to make my farm better.

2012 was a challenging year, but you know what?  Every year on the farm is challenging.  Other than just flat out working harder, the best way I know to face those challenges is to arm yourself with more and better information.  Attend an Ag PhD Winter Workshop!

Thursday, January 3 – Huron, SD
Friday, January 4 – Rapid City, SD
Monday, January 7 – Larchwood, IA
Wednesday, January 9 – Boise, ID
Wednesday, January 9 – Moses Lake, WA
Thursday, January 10 – Twin Falls, ID
Thursday, January 10 – Moscow, ID
Monday, January 14 – Memphis, TN
Tuesday, January 15 – Sikeston, MO
Friday, January 18 – Mason City, IA
Thursday, January 24 – Mankato, MN
Monday, January 28 – Spirit Lake, IA
Monday, February 11 – Alexandria, MN
Tuesday, February 12 – Grand Forks, ND
Friday, February 15 – Scottsdale, AZ
Thursday, February 21 – Lisbon, ND
Thursday, February 21 – Fort Yates, ND
Monday, February 25 – Havre, MT
Tuesday, February 26 – Great Falls, MT
Tuesday, February 26 – New Town, ND
Wednesday, February 27 – Bottineau, ND

To learn more about this year’s Ag PhD Winter Workshops or to sign up for one near you, CLICK HERE