As farmers deal with volatile markets and increasingly erratic weather, crop insurance and overall risk management have become keys to economic survival.

Speakers at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 2019 Economic Summit, which will be held June 28 in Des Moines, will explore strategies for farmers to use crop insurance and other tools to help them navigate through the difficult economy.

A key to managing agricultural risk is developing a clear understanding of crop insurance and determining the best way to use it, said Art Barnaby, a Kansas State University professor emeritus and risk management expert who will present at the IFBF Economic Summit.

“It’s important to understand what’s covered by crop insurance and what isn’t,” Barnaby said. “Once you understand that, then as weather or economic conditions change, you are better prepared to make management decisions on what you need to do next, or at least ask your agent the right questions.”

Along with Barnaby, several speakers at the IFBF Economic Summit will discuss aspects of agricultural risk management, including leading lenders, real estate brokers and economists.

The 2019 IFBF Economic Summit will be held at the Des Moines Marriott-Downtown, beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. on June 28. Preregistration for the event, which includes access to all presentations and lunch, is $30 for Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members before June 19. At the door, the cost is $60 for members and $150 for non-members.

Visit  www.iowafarmbureau.com/economicsummit, or contact Lavonne Baldwin at 515-225-5633 or at lbaldwin@ifbf.org.