This program helps producers understand the risks they face in agricultural production and teaches strategies to mitigate those risks in order to increase the probability of economic survival for the farm and the personal security of the farm family.
The educational programming consisted of five one- or two-day programs in financial production, price and market risk.
The program topics were based upon needs as indicated in producer program evaluations and surveys conducted in the previous academic year. Participating producers were able to more effectively manage their enterprise and have an understanding of various risk management options. Informed decisions regarding markets, pricing and production based on strong financial analysis led to sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced quality of life for farmers and their surrounding communities.
Program impacts concluded the following: Producer knowledge gain from attending the seminars ranged from 188 to 455 percent; the majority (46 to 98 percent) of program participants considered the seminar valuable to them and worth their time; between 86 and 97 percent of participants felt they could apply their new knowledge and information in their job/operation; and between 92 and 100 percent of participants would attend future risk management programming.
Program impacts measured through pre- and post-seminar testing, post-seminar evaluations and six-month seminar evaluations concluded the following in 2007: Six months after the participants attended seminars, 17 to 68 percent (depending on the program) had incorporated ideas, knowledge and information from the seminar into their job/operation; 44 to 80 percent (depending on the program) were directly applying production, legal, marketing and range management techniques learned at the seminars.
Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium-Farm Financial Decision Making: Attendees rated the seminar as very helpful (6 out of a possible 7), and the majority said they would use the information and knowledge gained in their job/operation (5.6 out of a possible 7). All UNCE instructors and material were rated 4.5 out of a possible 5.
Cattlemen’s College at the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting: Participants said they would incorporate a large portion of the material and knowledge gained (7.1 out of a possible 10) into their job/operation. All six presentations were rated 4 or higher (out of a possible 5).