Swine Risk Management Workshops For Women in Iowa Scheduled

Women interested in swine marketing are invited to attend one of three workshops focusing on risk management and decision-making tools.

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) and Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) are sponsors of an interactive swine edition of “Margin Maker” for women at three sites in Iowa.

The workshops are scheduled for:

• Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. in Washington at the Washington County Extension office;
• Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. in Webster City at the Webster City Fire Station; and
• Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. in Manchester at the Delaware County Extension Office.

ISU Extension swine field specialist Mark Storlie says the workshops provide an opportunity to discuss marketing tools and offer a hands-on simulation to practice risk management skills without risking actual assets.

“Women are often involved with maintaining financial records and some will be involved with marketing. This program allows women to gain awareness of tools or sharpen their skills. Participants will learn how controlling cost is just as important as protecting revenue and learn how to ‘strike when the iron is hot,’” Storlie says. “They’ll practice risk management skills in a market simulation and learn strategies in an enjoyable environment, with interaction and good-natured sharing among others in the workshop.”

Workshop presenters are ISU Extension agriculture economics specialist Shane Ellis and, depending on location, ISU Extension swine field specialists Mark Storlie, Tom Miller or Russ Euken. There is no charge to attend but preregistration is required.

To register for any of the sites, contact Mark Storlie by phone (563) 425-3331, fax (563) 425-3339 or e-mail mstorlie@iastate.edu.

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