CAS' John Mangus and Shylea Wingard recently presented risk management information to over 100 Montana beginning producers attending the Montana FFA State Leadership Convention.

The event was held in Bozeman on March 25-26, 2010. Mangus and Wingard covered a range of risk management and crop insurance topics during a number of separate convention sessions. Attendees also participated in CAS' risk management simulation game with high scorers winning prizes.

CAS appreciates the efforts of the Montana FFA for their help coordinating the event.

Custom Ag Solutions' (CAS) Ryan Mangus recently visit Corvallis, Oregon to present risk management and crop insurance information to beginning producers attending the annual Oregon FFA State Convention. The convention was held on the campus of Oregon State University March 20-22, 2010.

Mangus discussed a range of risk management and crop insurance topics during three convention sessions. Attendees learned risk management fundamentals and details about the basic operation of Federal crop insurance programs. Attendees also participated in an interactive learning simulation game requiring decisions about managing risk and participating in crop insurance programs. The game's outcomes varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period.

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Commodity Partnership to inform Oregon beginning producers about risk management principles and about the structure, operation, and benefits of Federal crop insurance programs, including RMA’s Livestock Risk Protection Program, which is available to Oregon producers. The partnership is administered by RMA’s Spokane Regional Office.

Custom Ag Solutions' (CAS) John Mangus presented risk management and crop insurance information to beginning producers at four Rhode Island locations on March 17-18, 2010. 

Mangus first met with Ponogansett FFA members and chapter advisors Loren Andrews and Malaree Searle.  He then made a presentation to Exeter-West Greenwich FFA members and advisor Katie Kocab.  Next, Mangus worked with Narragansett advisor Greg Breene to deliver three presentations for FFA members at Narragansett High School.  Finally, Stacie Pepperd at Chariho High School coordinated an event where Mangus presented to over 30 student participants.

CAS thanks RI FFA State Advisor Allison Toles and participating chapter advisors and members for their cooperation in coordinating the visits.  CAS looks forward to participating in the RI FFA State Convention scheduled for late April.

Custom Ag Solutions' John Mangus presented risk management and crop insurance program information to nearly 200 Massachusetts beginning producers attending the Massachusetts FFA State Convention held on March 15-16, 2010, in Sturbridge, MA.

In three presentations coordinated by Massachusetts FFA State Advisor Kim LaFleur, Mangus covered a range of risk management and crop insurance topics.  Attendees also participated in CAS' risk management simulation game with high scorers winning prizes. 

Custom Ag Solutions' Brett Crosby presented CAS' 'You CAN Farm and Ranch' program to several hundred Utah begining producers attending the Utah FFA State Convention held on March 11, 2010, in Cedar City.

In recent years, production agricultural has evolved into a highly competitive, capital-intensive, low-margin business.  Often, young people considering a career in production agriculture are discouraged by the industry’s formidable barriers to entry.

Crosby discussed the challenges of overcoming production agriculture's substantial barriers to entry.  He also provided attendees with several proven approaches for starting a career in production agriculture (farming or ranching).  Crosby focused on themes such as building your credit, building your balance sheet, and building your reputation. 

Numerous participants requested the PowerPoint file used in the presentation.  The file can be downloaded here.

CAS' Brett Crosby recently delivered risk management information and tools to Christmas tree growers attending the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association's Winter Meeting and Trade Show at Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, NC on March 6, 2010.

Mr. Crosby began his presentation by first introducing general risk and risk management principles, followed by a discussion of Christmas tree-specific risk considerations and risk management practices. He next provided attendees with an introduction to the Christmas Tree Risk Analysis Tool (CTRAT).

The CTRAT is a Microsoft Excel based decision support tool that models a Christmas tree operation and provides producers with key operating summaries as well as “what-if” type decision support capabilities. Attending producers were also told about the ChristmasTreeRiskManagement.com website that provides risk management information and tools to America's Christmas tree producers.

Custom Ag Solutions' Clif Parker presented risk management and crop insurance program information to Massachusetts cranberry growers participating in the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association (CCCGA) Winter Meeting & Environmental Workshops held March 5, 2010, in Hyannis, MA.

CAS' presentation was conducted as part of the USDA/RMA/CAS Massachusetts Targeted States Partnership, which exists to inform Massachusetts Agricultural Producers about the structure and benefits of Federal Crop Insurance Programs. The CCCGA is also a partner in the program and worked to coordinate and promote the event.

The CAS presentation began with a brief introduction to risk, risk management, and crop insurance principles. Next, the presenter provided a detailed explanation of the features, bebefits, and limitations of RMA's Cranberry and AGR-Lite Programs. Following the presentation, Mr. Parker spent time responding to attendees' questions and delivering one-on-one risk management consultation.  CAS also staffed a information booth at the event's trade show.

CAS' Brett Crosby recently visited Minnesota to deliver risk management information and tools to Christmas tree growers attending the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association's Winter Convention, held in Carlton, MN, on March 5-6, 2010.

Mr. Crosby began his presentation by first introducing general risk and risk management principles, followed by a discussion of Christmas tree-specific risk considerations and risk management practices. He next provided attendees with an introduction to the Christmas Tree Risk Analysis Tool (CTRAT).

The CTRAT is a Microsoft Excel based decision support tool that models a Christmas tree operation and provides producers with key operating summaries as well as “what-if” type decision support capabilities. Attending producers were also told about the ChristmasTreeRiskManagement.com website that provided risk management information and tools to America's Christmas tree producers.

CAS presenters Scott Crosby and Ryan Mangus recently began taking CAS' risk management information program throughout Wyoming to share with beginning producers in the Cowboy State. Members of Wyoming's Vocational Agriculture community in 14 Wyoming communities participated in the interactive presentations. Working directly with local FFA chapters, Crosby and Mangus introduced attendees to basic risk management principles and crop insurance programs offered to Wyoming agricultural producers.

To illustrate the challenges of managing risk and the role of Federal Crop Insurance Programs in agricultural risk management, attendees participated in an interactive learning simulation that illustrated uncertainty and risk in a simulated Wyoming feedlot/cow-calf operation. The outcomes of the game varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period.

CAS continues risk management training efforts throughout Wyoming and is open to community members and other interested individuals. For further information, please contact CAS at 877-227-8094 or via email at info@casnow.com.

CAS presenter Scott Crosby has been busy the last few weeks sharing CAS' exciting risk management simulation with Utah beginning farmers and ranchers. Participants involved with nine Utah Vo-Ag programs took part in the interactive training exercises. Working directly with local FFA chapters, Crosby introduced attendees to basic risk management principles and crop insurance programs offered to Utah agricultural producers.

To illustrate the challenges of managing risk and the role of Federal Crop Insurance Programs in agricultural risk management, attendees participated in an interactive learning simulation that illustrated uncertainty and risk in a simulated Utah feedlot/cow-calf operation. The outcomes of the game varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period.

CAS' Brett Crosby recently delivered Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program information to Arizona cattle producers attending the Arizona Cattlemen's Association (ACA) Winter Meeting on February 24, 2010. Crosby presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA).

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Commodity Partnership to inform Arizona cattle producers of the availability and function of the LRP Program that protects producers against downside price risk. The partnership is administered by RMA’s Davis, CA Regional Office.

Crosby's presentation focused on risk management issues and RMA's LRP Program. After introducing basic concepts of risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance, Crosby told producers about previous program experience and participation rates. Crosby then provided an in-depth description of the LRP Program, including specific examples of premium, coverage, and indemnity calculations.

During the week of February 15, 2010, Custom Ag Solutions worked with the Indiana FFA and the Indiana Young Farmers' Association to deliver risk management and crop insurance information to Indiana beginning producers.

Six sessions were coordinated with the Indiana FFA and delivered by CAS' John Mangus.  Events were held in Kokomo, Rossville, Charlottesville, Sheridan, Michigantown, and Thorntown.  Attendees learned risk management fundamentals and details about the basic operation of Federal crop insurance programs.  Attendees also participated in an interactive learning simulation game requiring decisions about managing risk and participating in crop insurance programs.  The game's outcomes varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period.

Mangus also attended and presented at the 2010 Indiana Young Farmers' Association Annual State Convention held on February 20, 2010, in Indianapolis.  Mangus presented CAS' "Ag 2020 (Survive Today - Thrive Tomorrow) Program" to explain some of the risks facing Indiana agricultural producers during this time of economic uncertainty.  Attendees also learned about the structure and benefits of Federal Crop Insurance Programs available in Indiana. 

CAS' John Mangus presented risk management information to over 250 New Mexico beginning producers attending the New Mexico FFA State Leadership Convention. 

The event was held in Albuquerque on January 30, 2010.  Mangus covered a range of risk management and crop insurance topics during five separate presentations.  Attendees also participated in CAS' risk management simulation game with high scorers winning prizes. 

CAS appreciates the efforts of the New Mexico FFA and Executive Secretary Jerrod Smith to help coordinate the event. 

CAS' Brett Crosby recently provided risk management training and tools to dozens of Wisconsin Christmas tree growers attending the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association's Winter Convention and Trade Show held in Waukesha, WI, on January 22-23, 2010.

CAS first introduced general risk and risk management principles, followed by a discussion of Christmas tree-specific risk considerations and risk management practices. They next provided attendees with an introduction to the Christmas Tree Risk Analysis Tool (CTRAT).

The CTRAT is a Microsoft Excel based decision support tool that models a Christmas tree operation and provides producers with key operating summaries as well as “what-if” type decision support capabilities. Attending producers were also told about the ChristmasTreeRiskManagement.com website that provided risk management information and tools to America's Christmas tree producers.

CAS presenters Shylea Wingard and John Mangus have recently worked to deliver risk management information to beginning producers in New Hampshire. CAS worked with New Hampshire FFA State Coordinator Maria VanderWoude to schedule and present the informational program to local vocational agriculture programs. Directing the presentation to horticulture and agriculture-focused students, CAS presenters introduced attendees to basic risk management principles and explained the operation and benefits of crop insurance programs offered to New Hampshire producers.

To illustrate the challenges of managing risk and the role of Federal Crop Insurance Programs in agricultural risk management, attendees participated in an interactive learning simulation that illustrated uncertainty and risk in a simulated New Hampshire nursery operation. The outcomes of the game varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period. Attending producers’ agricultural experience and interests spanned a range of production agriculture fields.

CAS' Brett Crosby participated in the Louisiana Cattlemen's 2010 Annual Convention held in West Monroe, Louisiana, on January 15, 2010. Crosby presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA).

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Commodity Partnership to inform Louisiana cattle producers of the availability and function of the LRP Program that protects producers against downside price risk. The partnership is administered by RMA’s Jackson, MS Regional Office.

Crosby's presentation focused on risk management issues and RMA's LRP Program. After introducing basic concepts of risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance, Crosby told producers about previous program experience and participation rates, which suggest widespread acceptance. Crosby then provided an in-depth description of the LRP Program, including specific examples of premium, coverage, and indemnity calculations.

Presenters from Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) attended four Massachusetts high schools to present CAS' Risk and Risk Management training simulation. Directing the presentation to horticulture and agriculture-focused students, CAS presenters introduced attendees to basic risk management principles and crop insurance programs offered to Massachusetts producers.

To illustrate the challenges of managing risk and the role of Federal Crop Insurance Programs in agricultural risk management, attendees participated in an interactive learning simulation that illustrated uncertainty and risk in a simulated Massachusetts horticulture operation. The outcomes of the game varied by student depending on uncontrollable chance and the risks chosen by a given student over a simulated six-year period. Attending producers’ agricultural experience and interests centered on landscape plant production and greenhouse management.

CAS' Brett Crosby participated in the Utah Cattlemen's 2009 Winter Convention held in the downtown Sheraton Hotel in Salt Lake, December 1-3, 2009. Crosby presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Crosby's presentation focused on risk management issues and RMA's LRP Program. After introducing basic concepts of risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance, Crosby told producers about previous program experience and participation rates, which suggest widespread acceptance. Crosby then provided an in-depth description of the LRP Program, including specific examples of premium, coverage, and indemnity calculations.

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Targeted States Partnership between Utah State University's Extension and the Risk Management Agency to provide Crop Insurance education to Utah Ag producers.

CAS' Brett Crosby participated in the Oregon Cattlemen's 2009 Convention and Tradeshow held in Bend, Oregon, on December 3, 4, and 5, 2009.  Crosby presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). 

Crosby's presentation focused on risk management issues and RMA's LRP Program.  After introducing basic concepts of risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance, Crosby told producers about previous program experience and participation rates, which suggest widespread acceptance.  Crosby then provided an in-depth description of the LRP Program, including specific examples of premium, coverage, and indemnity calculations. 

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Commodity Partnership to inform Oregon cattle producers of the availability and function of the LRP Program that protects producers against downside price risk.  The partnership is administered by RMA’s Spokane Regional Office. 

CAS' John Mangus presented crop insurance and risk management information to Massachusetts producers attending the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting held in Hyannis, MA, on December 3, 2009.  The presentation was delivered as part of the USDA/RMA/CAS Massachusetts Targeted States Partnership to inform Massachusetts producers about Federal crop insurance programs available to improve producers' abilities to manage risk.

CAS' Brett Crosby participated in the Washington Cattlemen's 2009 Convention and Tradeshow held in Pasco, Washington, on November 12-14, 2009.  Crosby presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). 

Crosby's presentation focused on risk management issues and RMA's LRP Program.  After introducing basic concepts of risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance, Crosby told producers about previous program experience and participation rates, which suggest widespread acceptance.  Crosby then provided an in-depth description of the LRP Program, including specific examples of premium, coverage, and indemnity calculations. 

CAS' presentation was delivered as part of a RMA Commodity Partnership to inform Washington cattle producers of the availability and function of the LRP Program that protects producers against downside price risk.  The partnership is administered by RMA’s Spokane Regional Office. 

Presenters from Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) attended six Massachusetts Farm Bureau County Annual Meetings from October 20 - 29, 2009.  For each meeting, the CAS presenters were provided a speaking slot to discuss the availability and benefits of the various Federal crop insurance programs available to Massachusetts producers. 

The CAS presenters also interacted on a one-on-one basis with attendees to describe the the details of the various programs.  The presenters also responded to attendees' questions about risk management and the operation of crop insurance programs. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency recently announced numerous risk management educaiton partnership awards for Custom Ag Solutions.  Projects include $228,000 in funding for CAS to work with several Massachusetts partners to reach Massachusetts agricultural producers with information about risk management and Federal Crop Insurance Programs. 

CAS also received $128,000 in funding to reach beginning producers in 12 states, and $90,000 to reach livestock, vegetable, and Christmas tree growers in eight additional states.  Finally, CAS will work with award recipients in five additional states, Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming to reach additional producers with a range of educational programs.

RMA administers the Federal Crop Insurance Program and will oversee the partnership awards. 

Presenters from Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) attended five Massachusetts Farm Bureau County Board Meetings from September 15 - 30, 2009.  For each meeting, the CAS presenters were provided a speaking slot to discuss the availability and benefits of the various Federal crop insurance programs available to Massachusetts producers. 

The CAS presenters also interacted on a one-on-one basis with attendees to describe the the details of the various programs.  The presenters also responded to attendees' questions about risk management and the operation of crop insurance programs. 

CAS' Clifton Parker attended the New England Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) Annual Conference held in Amherst, MA, on August 7-9, 2009.  Over 1,500 people attended the conference and Parker interacted with over 500 of the attendees.  Parker told the attendees about the availability, operation, and benefits of Federal crop insurance programs available to New England producers.

Parker manned a exhibit table and distributed fact sheets on RMA crops insured in Massachusetts.  He also distrubuted RMA Fact Sheets for Organic Crops.  Parker spoke with many producers who were not aware of Federal crop insurance programs or who did not know that Federal crop programs can be used by organic growers.

Custom Ag Solutions' John Mangus worked with the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) to reach nursery growers attending the MNLA's Great Ideas Summer Meeting held at the Sylvan Nursery facilities near Westport on July 22.   

CAS and K-State project team members met together on June 16-17 in Kansas City, MO, to coordinate project work on three USDA/RMA Research and Development Projects: 

• Research and Development of a Cattle Basis Risk Analysis Tool (CBRAT);
• Research and Development of a Water Allocation Risk Analysis Tool (WARAT);
• Development of LRP and AGR-Lite Decision Support Tools for Livestock Producers.

The team reviewed progress, discusses pending issues, and planned future work activities for the three projects.

Custom Ag Solutions' Brett Crosby and Kansas State University's Dr. Jim Mintert recently traveled to Florida to introduce producers to CAS' BeefBasis.com website.  

Crosby and Mintert presented “Justification for the Basis Difference for Southeast Cattle,” to approximately 200 cattle producers at the University of Florida's 58th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course held in Gainesville, Florida, on April 29, 2009.

Throughout February, March, April, and May of 2009, Custom Ag Solutions worked with local FFA chapters to reach Wyoming's beginning producers with information about risk managment tools and Federal crop insurance programs.  CAS efforts were conducted in partnership with the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service with funding provided by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). 

CAS' John Mangus presented risk management information and crop insurance program details to Delaware beginning producers in four locations during the week of April 20, 2009.  The presentations were coordinated with local vocational agriculture classes and FFA Program advisors affiliated with the Delaware FFA Association. 

CAS is enhancing K-State's “Feeder Cattle Risk Management Tool” to create web version that allows producers to compare feeder cattle marketing strategies - including cash sales, hedging, and combinations of option markets (put, call, etc) . Dr. Kevin Dhuyvetter and Dr. James Mintert of Kansas State University are the original designers of the feeder risk tool.      

CAS' John Mangus presented “Crop Insurance Education for Massachusetts Beginning Ag Producers” to 125 current and beginning ag producers during the Massachusetts State FFA Convention in Sturbridge, MA, March 16-17th, 2009.  CAS thanks Massachusetts FFA Association coordinator, Kim LaFleur, for coordinating and promoting these three risk management / crop insurance training sessions.

CAS is creating a deterministic Excel model that calculates a producer's AGR-Lite eligibility.  It will allow a producer to evaluate crop acreage amounts or number of animals insured, cost inputs and calculate indeminity amounts and triggers in the case of a loss event.  CAS anitcipates the on-line launch of this  important producer/advisor tool by June 1st.  

CAS' in-house programmer, Chris Crosby, updated the Beef Basis model to reflect the current market conditions US beef producers are facing.  This useful analysis tool co-developed by CAS, K-State and USDA-RMA has seen an influx of producer traffic such that developers are planning to update the model with more leading state data.  Also comments about www.beefbasis.com. have brought program edits that better fit producer needs.     

CAS' Ryan Mangus presented “Crop Insurance Education for Utah's Beginning Producers” in three northern locations February 23-25th, 2009.  The presentations were conducted in partnership with the Utah State University Extension with funding provided by the USDA/RMA Utah Targeted States Partnership.  Vo-ag instructors and advisors affiliated with the Utah FFA Association helped to coordinate the events.    

CAS' Brett Crosby presented crop insurance and risk management information to Massachusetts producers attending the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting held in Mansfield, MA, on December 4, 2008.  The presentation was delivered as part of the USDA/RMA/CAS Massachusetts Targeted States Partnership to inform Massachusetts producers about Federal crop insurance programs available to improve producers' abilities to manage risk.

CAS' Ryan Mangus and Casey Crosby presented risk management and crop insurance information to dozens of beginning Utah agricultural producers in five locations during the weeks of November 17 and 24, 2008.  The presentations were coordinated with local vocational agriculture classes and FFA Program advisors affiliated with the Utah FFA Association. 

CAS' John Mangus presented crop insurance program information at the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association's Annual Meeting held on November 7, 2008, in Sandwich, MA.  The presentation included coverage of RMA's Pilot Clam and AGR-Lite Programs and a discussion of risk management based decision-making frameworks.

Brett Crosby, President of Custom Ag Solutions, Cowley, WY, has been awarded the Accredited Rural Appraiser designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a $209,000 Partnership Award to CAS to educate Massachusetts agricultural producers about Federal Crop Insurance Programs. The USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers the Federal Crop Insurance Program and will oversee the partnership award. 

On Monday, October 27, 2008, Custom Ag Solutions' (CAS) John Mangus and Clifton Parker participated in a stakeholder meeting for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) currently being established by the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES).  The meeting was held in Washington, DC, and included dozens of participants from broad geographical and industry interests.

CAS and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) worked together to deliver risk management and crop insurance program information to dozens of producers attending county farm bureau annual meetings in October.  The outreach was conducted as part of the USDA/RMA/CAS Targeted States Partnership to inform Massachusetts agricultural producers about the availability and benefits of Federal crop insurance programs.

CAS' Shylea Wingard delivered USDA/RMA Livestock Risk Protection Lamb (LRP-Lamb) Program information to Oregon lamb producers attending the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival held on September 27-28, 2008, in Canby, OR.  The outreach effort was conducted as part of a USDA/RMA/CAS Commodity Partnership, administered by RMA's Spokane, WA, Regional Office. 

CAS' Shylea Wingard presented risk management and crop insurance information to beginning Nevada producers in four locations during the week of September 22, 2008.  The presentations were coordinated with local vocational agriculture classes and FFA Program advisors affiliated with the Nevada Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. 

During September 2008, CAS worked with several Massachusetts agricultural organizations to deliver risk management and crop insurance information to Massachusetts producers during the final month of the 2007-2008 USDA/RMA/CAS Targeted States Partnership to inform Massachusetts agricultural producers about Federal crop insurance programs.

CAS' John Mangus and Clif Parker presented risk management and crop insurance information to beginning Delaware producers in two locations on Friday, September 5, 2008.  The presentations were coordinated with local vocational agriculture classes and FFA Program advisors. 

CAS' Clif Parker and John Mangus presented crop insurance program information to Virginia clam producers and other agribusiness professionals at a meeting held on September 4, 2008, in Exmore, VA.

CAS' Kole Swanser and Ryan Mangus attended the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station Open House on August 21, 2008, to inform Michigan cherry growers about the availability and features of the new Actual Revenue History (ARH) Pilot Cherry Crop Insurance Program.  The outreach effort was conducted as part of a 2007-2008 USDA/RMA Commodity Partnerships Program to benefit Michigan Cherry Growers.

Custom Ag Solutions' Kole Swanser and John Mangus presented risk management and crop insurance program information to Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association members attending the organization's annual meeting held on July 23, 2008, at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA.

CAS met with Michigan Cherry Growers at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station near Traverse City on April 9, 2008.  CAS delivered Cherry Pilot Crop Insurance Program information to growers attending the research station's Spring Cherry Meeting.  The outreach was funded by the USDA/RMA under the Commodity Partnerships Program to benefit Michigan Cherry Growers.

CAS' Brett Crosby and Clif Parker provided risk management training and tools to dozens of North Carolina Christmas tree growers attending the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association's Winter Meeting held in Boone, NC, on February 29 and March 1, 2008. 

CAS' Clif Parker presented crop insurance information at the 28th Milford Aquaculture Seminar held February 25th through the 27th in Meriden, CT.  The event was coordinated by the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center's Milford Laboratory, and CAS' participation was sponsored and coordinated with the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA).

CAS' John Mangus and K-State's Dr. Terry Kastens and Dr. Kevin Dhuyvetter presented risk management and crop insurance information at the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leaders Conference held in Big Rapids, MI, on February 22 and 23, 2008.  The presentation was delivered as part of the CAS - USDA/RMA Risk Management Education Partnership to educate Michigan agricultural producers about risk, risk management, and Federal crop insurance programs.

CAS' Brett Crosby and K-State's Dr. Jim Mintert presented "Improving Your Cattle Risk Management Skills Using BeefBasis.com" at a general session of the 2008 Cornbelt Cow - Calf Conference held in Ottumwa, Iowa, on February 23, 2008. The presentation was delivered as part of the CAS - USDA/RMA - K-State Partnership to develop the BeefBasis.com tool to improve cattle producers marketing decisions.

CAS' Shylea Wingard staffed a crop insurance information booth at the New England Grows Exposition held at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center on February 7 and 8, 2008.  CAS participation occurred as part of the USDA/RMA-CAS Crop Insurance Education Partnership to inform Massachusetts agricultural producers about the availability and benefits of Federal crop insurance programs.

As part of two USDA Risk Management Agency Partnerships, Custom Ag Solutions is working to provide maple producers in five states with risk management information and tools to improve producers' production and marketing decisions.

Custom Ag Solutions' John Mangus presented risk management information to nearly 100 Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers attending the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association's Annual Meeting held on January 25, 2008, in Stevens Point, WI.

Custom Ag Solutions' John Mangus and Dr. Mel Koelling (Michigan State University) presented risk management information to 125 members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association gathered for the organization's annual meeting held in Clare, Michigan, on January 19, 2008.

Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) worked with the Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) to coordinate a Cherry Pilot Crop Insurance Program Presentation at the CMI Annual Meeting held in Traverse City on January 16, 2008. 

CAS' Kole Swanser participated in the Orgeon Sheep Growers Association Annual Meeting held in Cottage Grove, Oregon, on December 6 and 7, 2007.  Swanser presented attendees with information about the structure, operation, and availability of the Livestock Risk Protection - Lamb Program offered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA).  

Researchers from Custom Ag Solutions and Kansas State University were recently featured in a Beef Magazine article explaining basis risk considerations in the cattle industry.  The article emphasized the newly available marketing information and tools found on the BeefBasis.com website.  Development of the BeefBasis.com website was funded by the USDA's Risk Management Agency, which also participated in the project's work activities.  The article can be viewed at the following link: http://beefmagazine.com/markets/marketing/basis-risk/index.html.

Custom Ag Solutions, a partner to the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA), worked with numerous regional producer groups to schedule and conduct  over ten risk management education training events in November of 2007. 

On October 26, 2007, CAS' Clif Parker presented risk management and crop insurance information at the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association's Annual Meeting held in Sandwich, MA.  The CAS presentation was delivered as part of the RMA-CAS Commodity Partnership to reach Massachusetts clam producers with information about the USDA/Risk Management Agency's Cultivated Clam Pilot Crop Insurance Program. 

On October 1, 2007, Custom Ag Solutions began work on ten risk management education partnerships funded by the USDA's Risk Management Agency.  The projects will benefit producers of a wide range of commodities in eleven states.

On September 27, 2007, acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced awards of nearly $21.2 million in agricultural risk management partnership agreements throughout the United States. Wyoming's Custom Ag Solutions received a research and development partnership award to develop decision-support tools to improve livestock producers' decisions related to participation in RMA's Livestock Risk Protection and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite Programs. Calculators, worksheets, data feeds, and organizers will be developed to increase knowledge and participation in the programs.  The USDA announcement can be viewed at the following link: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2007/09/0268.xml.

On September 27, 2007, acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced awards of nearly $21.2 million in agricultural risk management partnership agreements throughout the United States. Wyoming's Custom Ag Solutions received 10 educational partnership awards to reach producers in 11 states. The USDA announcement can be viewed at the following link: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2007/09/0268.xml.