Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Cooperative Extension Service has announced a series of workshops focusing on federal crop insurance, scheduled for January and February 2024. These educational sessions aim to provide comprehensive knowledge about crop insurance programs to participants from various agricultural backgrounds.
The four workshops are set to take place on Jan. 19 in Batesville, Jan. 22 in Pine Bluff, Jan. 30 in Forrest City, and Feb. 20 in Monticello. They are open and free for anyone interested in attending, with the added convenience of online registration. Agendas for these workshops are available for those who wish to get an overview of the topics to be covered.
Hunter Biram, an agricultural economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, highlighted the scope of these workshops. “Participants can expect to receive information from agricultural economics faculty and USDA-RMA Navigators covering a wide array of federal crop insurance topics,” he explained. The sessions will delve into various aspects of crop insurance, including how to apply through local agents and understanding different products like pasture insurance, whole-farm insurance, and yield and revenue insurance.
Biram emphasized the relevance of these workshops for a diverse range of agricultural operations, including cattle raising, cash crop farming, and fruit and vegetable production. To aid in the learning process, workbooks covering all these topics will be provided to registrants.
The first three workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., including lunch, while the final workshop on Feb. 20 will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., including dinner. The workshops have received support from USDA-NIFA, the Southern Risk Management Education Center, and the Fryar Price Risk Management Center of Excellence.
In addition to Biram’s presentations, these workshops will feature insights from other Cooperative Extension Specialists. Attendees can look forward to learning from experts like livestock economist James Mitchell, RMA Navigator Project Specialist LaGrand Elliott, and agricultural economist Ryan Loy, among others.
These workshops represent an invaluable opportunity for those involved in various agricultural sectors to gain critical knowledge and insights into federal crop insurance. By bringing together a team of experienced specialists, the Cooperative Extension Service aims to equip producers and agricultural professionals with the tools and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of crop insurance effectively.
