We're buttoning up the 2010 crop insurance season, expecting that next year will be a lot different.  Tim Copeland, Vice President of Marketing for Great American Insurance talked to farmers at Commodity Classic about potential changes that might be coming down the pike.  You can see his comments on video by clicking here.  These were recorded on March 6, 2010.

When it comes to making your banker happy, it's important to know the difference between working capital and net worth.  While both of them have a lot to do with what you have, working capital is a more important number for bankers and for financing and growing your operation.  Water Street Solutions President and CEO Darren Frye talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about the difference.

March 29 2010 Working capital vs net worth - Frye.mp3 (2.71 mb)

For the text of the interview, click here:  The Difference Between Working Capital and Net Worth

Here's another installment from the recent discussion at Commodity Classic.  This took place on March 6th in Anaheim, California in a session sponsored by Water Street Solutions.  Our goal here is education on the financial factors around farming.  In this segment, Mike Jacobson, Chairman, President and CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank talks about the key role of working capital in your farming operation. 

Click here to watch the video. 

In terms of where your working capital should be, we suggest that as a minimum, you have 20% of working capital to gross revenue.  We push our clients toward the 40% mark on this equation.  If you're looking for a partner to help you run these kinds of numbers on your farming operation and understand targets to help you grow your business, call us at 866-249-2528.

I just ran across this article at www.farmfutures.com and Mike Wilson said I can share it with you.  It's about getting ready for planting season -- and reaches well beyond the equipment aspect.  Click here for the story.

A panel discussion at this year's Commodity Classic focused on the financial elements of farming - and what parts growers can control.  We will be sharing pieces of the panel discussion over the coming weeks.  Here's the first installment.  The question was:  What will make the biggest difference in farmer profitability this year?

Panelists:  Arlan Suderman, Market Analyst, Farm Futures; Darren Frye, President & CEO, Water Street Solutions; Tim Copeland, VP of Marketing, Great American Insurance; and Mike Jacobson, Chairman, President & CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank

Click here to watch the video.  The discussion took place on March 6, 2010.

When you hear the word "Leadership", it might make you think about some of the volunteer work that you do, serving on the school board or in your church or community in various ways.  But leadership is a set of skills that will serve you in your farming operation, with your children and in many roles and relationships.  Dean Heffta talks here with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about how we define leadership and some of the elements of growing leadership skills and how that can pay dividends.

March 15 2010 Leadership in Your Operation - Heffta.mp3 (1.39 mb)

For the text of the interview click here: Leadership

Coaching is typically focused around sports -- but let's listen to a few analogies around coaching to help build a more successful farming operation one "season" at a time.  Our Dean Heffta talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about sharing your vision of success with all of your "players".  And by players, we're not just talking about employees or family members involved in the operation, but anyone who plays a role or has a stake in your success.

March 8 2010 The Coach Approach - Heffta.mp3 (3.05 mb)

For the text of the interview, click here:  The Coach Approach - Building Success on Your Farm Through Coaching

Water Street Solutions and Farm Progress Companies sponsored the Closing Learning Center Session Saturday at the 2010 Commodity Classic is Anaheim, CA.  The 2-hour panel discussion was a great opportunity for growers to learn things they do have control over on the financial end of their operation.  A summary of the contents of the session is posted today on Farm Progress web sites, and you can read it by clicking here.  In the coming weeks, video from this session will be shared here.

Having a successful farming operation all starts with having a plan.  And there's a little more to devising that plan than you might think.  Dean Heffta talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about the strategery.....um......strategy behind a strategic plan.  Listen in.  March 1 2010 Strategic Planning for Your Farm - Heffta.mp3 (3.23 mb)

Here's a tool to help you start your strategic plan: Strategic Plan.pdf

For the text of the interview, click here:  Strategic Planning for Your Farm