It’s not unusual to talk business over breakfast. But on five midwinter mornings, "Ag Forecast 2009" will offer a rare opportunity as economists, farmers, agribusiness leaders and lenders gather over breakfast for crucial business information and a look at Georgia’s agricultural future.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will hold its third annual Ag Forecast Breakfast Series from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 27 at the Gainesville Civic Center. The breakfast series also makes stops on Jan. 26 in Dalton, Jan. 28 in Statesboro, Jan. 29 in Tifton and Jan. 30 in Macon.

Since the 2008 Ag Forecast, many political and economic changes have swept over the United States that which directly affect Georgia agriculture. The 2009 Ag Forecast will give Georgians a chance to talk about the past and the future of agriculture and agribusiness.

Economic experts from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will discuss politics and international programs specific to agriculture and give a crop forecast for 2009.

"Agricultural and agribusiness professionals face special challenges in 2009," said John McKissick, director of the CAES Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.

"Through these five breakfast meetings we’re providing Georgia’s agricultural decision makers the latest 2009 price prospects and possible impacts of the many changes taking place in Washington."

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean Scott Angle says the meetings "are your land-grant university in action, fulfilling its mission that is as important today as it was when first created nearly 150 years ago."

Abraham Lincoln signed the bill establishing the land-grant system, Angle said, to give all Americans the opportunity to benefit from higher public education through new research, delivery of information or on-campus classes.

Participants will receive a copy of the 2009 Agricultural Price and Profit Planning Book. It provides a detailed analysis of each major Georgia agricultural product.

Registration costs $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight. For more information, call 706-542-2434 or visit www.
GeorgiaAgForecast.com.

To register, visit the Web site or call Carla Wood at 706-583-0347.

The Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Farm Bureau, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are cosponsoring the meetings.

(Source: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)