INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The fluctuating market and the rise in corn prices are hot topics in farm circles. They also will be the hot topics at the seminar series at the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show, Dec. 12-14.

The free seminars, coordinated by Hoosier Ag Today (HAT), will be given at 11 a.m. each day.

•How to Grow More Corn – Tuesday session. The speaker will be Scott Beck, a co-owner of Beck’s Hybrids, which has done research in this area.

•Where the Heck is the Market Going and Why? – Wednesday session. The speaker is Chris Hurt, agri-economist from Purdue University.

•How to Survive a Runaway Market – Thursday session. The speaker is Jim Riley, owner of Riley Trading of Brookston, Ind., and a farmer.

“We try to come up with topics based on what is happening in agriculture and on the news. Last July I thought we would be talking about ethanol and renewable fuels. But with the shortage of corn and the market swings, I knew we needed to change direction,” said Gary Truitt, owner of HAT, a new radio network.

“We want to give the Indiana farmer information he can put to use right away.”

Truit said farmers are thinking about planting more corn next year, some of it in fields that held swaying yellow stalks this year. While they usually alternate soybeans and corn crops, the market demand for corn is fueling this idea.

Beck’s Hybrids has researched ways to enrich the soil and control pests and disease when corn is planted two years in a row. Beck’s agronomist, Denny Cobb, will be coming to help answer questions, as well. Truitt expects a big turnout for Hurt’s market predictions on Wednesday. Hurt will make forecasts on corn, soybeans, hogs, cash rents, and other areas.

“Dr. Hurt is very popular as a speaker and is often quoted in newspapers. I expect a good crowd,” Truitt said.

On Thursday, Riley, a commodity broker, will offer advice on whether to “hold them, fold them or walk away” – managing your market position, taking advantage of a rally, and protecting oneself.

“Jim Riley is a farmer first of all. He speaks the farmer’s language, he’s been in their position and knows their concerns, and is down to earth. He doesn’t claim to know all the answers,” Truitt said.

Time will be given for questions and answers after each presentation. The talks will be recorded and logged on Truitt’s website, www.hoosieragtoday.com, for those who want to hear them at home.

“These topics are very much on the minds of farmers. They will be buying equipment, seed, and chemicals. The seminars are designed to help them make those decisions,” Truitt said.

This farm news was published in the Dec. 6, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.