Surviving the Upheaval and Risk in the Agribusiness Credit Market

Date: Friday, September 12, 2008
Time: 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 09:00 AM MT / 08:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter(s): David Sparks, Regional Manager, CoBank - St. Louis
Learning Objectives:
The participant can expect a discussion covering the unprecedented times that agriculture is in today and the additional risk that high commodity prices have brought to the agribusiness sector.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Application
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): NOTE: NEW CLN DATE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Description

Some questions you may be asking yourself: Are the risks being taken by the business sector justified by the anticipated rewards? Do we understand what counter party risk really is? Do we have a sound risk management plan for today's environment? The capabilities of many businesses are being stretched and may be approaching a point where the risk is unreasonable.

This CLN will address the cause and effect of the current and changing credit markets that Agribusinesses currently find themselves in. From both a Macro and Micro Economic Perspective, the cost of agriculture commodities and inputs have increased to levels that have created huge challenges for managing those risks in the marketplace.

Also examined will be the paradigm shift over the last 24 months in the Ag commodity, Ag input and credit markets that are seeing unprecedented increases and challenges and just how many businesses are dealing with the new environment.

The CLN will also discuss risk related issues from a finance perspective that touches both lender and borrower and addresses issues from the farmgate to the consumer.

Presenter and Moderator Bios
David Sparks, currently Regional Manager with CoBank, St. Louis Banking Center joined CoBank in 1996. He was Relationship Manager and Team Leader of National Business Development, Commercial Agribusiness while with CoBank in Louisville Kentucky. Prior to that he worked for Farm Credit Services of Mid America and their predecessor organizations in many different professional roles spanning 17 years.

Sparks earned his graduate degree from Western Kentucky University in Public Service and his under-graduate degree from the University of Kentucky in Agronomy in 1977.

Cost
$56.00 for NSAC Members / $70.00 for Non-Members

Delivery System

All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
All registrants will receive a link to the CLN’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

All registration is done on-line and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.

NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.

For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.

What is NSAC's Cooperative Learning Network?
The NSAC Cooperative Learning Network is a live, interactive webinar, and you can attend from any location with internet and/or telephone access. NSAC members can attend an unlimited number of CLNs at no charge!

Each Cooperative Learning Network will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. CLNs typically include a Q&A session where participants can ask questions live or by chat. No advance preparation or prerequisites are required, unless otherwise stated in the course information. Attendees are able to download copies of the slides and/or handouts and are provided a link to view the recording (unless the description states the session will not be recorded). These tools help continue your learning experience after the session.

CPE Credits
The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor (#103068) of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Internet Based.

Why NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks?

Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a course designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

Convenient.
No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your desk, device or conference room.

Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.

Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.

Affordable.
NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks are free for members and available to non members at a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars.