Being a young farmer just getting started in this business presents its own set of challenges, especially if you're operating without the backing of an entity with experience and assets.  This was one of the lines of discussion with the panel we sponsored at Commodity Classic last month.  If you'd like to listen to the advice of this group, click here.

How do you plan for profitability?  It's really about having a system and then employing the discipline to use the system.  A recent article in Illinois AgriNews explores the topic with input from Water Street Solutions' Director of Finance Joe Delheimer and Vice President of Insurance Deb Etheridge.  View the article here.

IL Ag news March 2010.pdf (58.32 kb)

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.

Planning for the transfer of a farm from one generation to another is an often stressful process.  Chris Monroe, who works with Water Street Solutions, was interviewed recently by Brownfield's Tom Steever about how he helps families create a plan and move through it for a better transition.  To hear the story, click here.

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.

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.

You have less than a month now to put your ducks in a row when it comes to risk management through crop insurance.  Our Steve Jackson talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about recent changes in the program in Nebraska, and things to watch for when you're sitting down with your Crop Insurance Specialist.

February 15 2010 Crop Insurance Notes - Jackson.mp3 (1.14 mb)

Steve Johnson, Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University is another Steve and another guy who spends a lot of his life thinking about crop insurance.  He told those attending the Top Producer Seminar recently that you need to work with an agent who KNOWS crop insurance.  It's safe to say you'll find that expertise here at Water Street Solutions.  Click here and you'll see what I mean.

You might feel like you're negotiating mostly at the equipment dealership or when you're buying inputs, but negotiating skills are important all the time.  And these are skill sets you can learn to improve.  Dean Heffta talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes about the important steps in the process.

February 1 2010 Successful Negotiating - Heffta.mp3 (3.68 mb)

For the first time, Water Street Solutions took part in the Top Producer Seminar in Chicago as a sponsor.  We enjoyed visiting with the innovative growers who attended.  Many of the seminars focused on the financial aspects of the business, from evaluating crop insurance options to getting your financial house in order -- even a look at what makes bankers nervous.  In the next few days we'll post more information from the meeting.  You can also find more at www.TopProducer-Online.com.

Want to build a successful 2010?  Now's the time to start with some serious goal setting.  Dean Heffta talks with KRVN's Ken Rahjes, outlining a way to go about this.  One of the first steps, he says, is evaluating how things went in 2009.

Jan 4 2010 Goal Setting - Heffta.mp3 (1.50 mb)