By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH
Indiana Correspondent

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Visitors to the grain market outlook discussion on the first morning of the Fort Wayne Farm Show shouldn’t expect an upbeat report, according to one of the program’s presenters.

Concerns over the worldwide economy make this a challenging time, said David Kohli, a market analyst with Allendale-Inc. He and John Cavanaugh, marketing director of Central States Enterprises, Inc., will begin their presentation at 10 a.m. Jan. 18.

The farm show is Jan. 18-20 in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The worldwide economy, including Europe and China, and the strength of the U.S. dollar could affect this country’s exports, Kohli noted: “Even if it isn’t all good news, we want people to know what’s going on. They need this information to make good decisions for their business.”

While some topics, such as the grain market outlook, are repeated yearly, farm show organizers also try to bring fresh educational seminars to each show, said Greg Lake, director of the Allen County Soil & Water Conservation District. His district, along with others in northeastern Indiana, sponsor the seminars. Purdue University’s Cooperative Extension Service is also a sponsor.
“We look at what’s been hot, what’s been on the minds of producers,” Lake explained. “We look at what things they might need to be aware of. We get together and discuss what needs to be brought up.”

In addition to Tuesday morning’s grain market outlook, Chris Hurt, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue, will present his grain and livestock market outlook at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Bruce Everhart, agricultural business banking manager with Wells Fargo, will offer his grain and livestock market outlook at 10 a.m. Jan. 20.

The lunch program for Jan. 18 will include an in-depth discussion of the farm bill. Starting at 11 a.m., a free lunch will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Afternoon sessions on Tuesday will look at the future of biofuel and preserving soil quality in the age of biomass production.

Wednesday morning and early afternoon sessions include a discussion of fertilizer cost and choices, and information on new operating requirements for confined feeding operations in Indiana. In the evening, those involved with planning “Ag Days” or similar events will get tips and information on securing grants.

“We want to help those putting on an event to be in the best position possible to share stories in the best possible way,” said Danica Kirkpatrick, events and educational activities coordinator with Purdue’s College of Agriculture. Kirkpatrick’s presentation begins at 6 p.m.

“For a lot of kids, Ag Days are the only chance they have to see what agriculture is all about. You want to tell the story early on about how important agriculture is to Indiana and how it touches them on a daily basis,” she explained.

Grants are available to help an event’s organizer improve the event, Kirkpatrick noted, adding that money could be available to add a hand washing station or to get pens for an event involving animals.

Thursday’s seminars include a presentation on Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio and the impact agriculture may have had on algae blooms found there last year.