It’s not unusual to talk business over breakfast. But on five midwinter mornings, "Ag Forecast 2008" will offer a rare opportunity as economists, farmers, agribusiness leaders and lenders gather over breakfast to discuss crucial business information and look at Georgia’s agricultural future.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will host its second annual Ag Forecast Breakfast Series 7 a.m. -10 a.m. Jan. 28 in Rome, Jan. 30 in Statesboro, Jan. 31 in Tifton, Feb. 1 in Macon, and Feb. 28 in Gainesville at the Georgia Mountains Center.
Those attending Ag Forecast 2008 will hear from statewide experts such as UGA economist John McKissick, CAES dean and director Scott Angle, and state climatologist David Stooksbury.
Participants will also take home a copy of the 2008 Agricultural Price and Profit Planning Book, a detailed analysis of each major commodity produced in Georgia. The book was developed by UGA CAES economists.
"Agricultural and agribusiness professionals face special challenges in 2008," said McKissick, director of the CAES Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.
"Through these five breakfast meetings," he said, "we’re providing Georgia’s agricultural decision makers the latest 2008 price prospects and impacts of changes in the farm bill."
No matter your breakfast choice — sausage or bacon, orange or apple juice — we all share the same concern when it comes to weather. After talking price prospects, CAES will be spotlighting the long-term weather forecast and latest water management options.
The meetings, Angle said, "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, he said, to give all Americans the opportunity to benefit from higher public education through new research, delivery of information or on-campus classes.
Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council will cosponsor the meetings.
The cost for the event is $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight.
For more information or to register, visit www.GeorgiaAgForecast.com or call 706-542-2434.
Source: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.