Workshops are planned in several upstate locations that can help dairy farmers optimize their income while minimizing risk during times of uncertain and volatile milk and input prices.

“Managing the Margin” workshops will teach producers effective risk management strategies they can use to control price risks and improve their bottom line.

The workshops nearest to us are Monday, Jan. 3 in Chazy, near Plattsburgh, at the Miner Institute, 1034 Miner Farm Rd., contact Sharon Garvey, (518) 962-4810, ext. 403; and Wednesday, Jan. 5 in Burrville, near Watertown, at Farm Credit East, 25417 NY Route 12, contact Corey Hayes, (315) 788-8450, cmh298@cornell.edu.

“Given the increased volatility of the marketplace, understanding and managing margin risk has become increasingly important for producers,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker.

The objective of the workshop is to provide producers with concepts and tools to determine breakeven prices, marketing plans, and crop insurance decisions appropriate for their operations under various conditions. Specific topics that will be discussed include margin risk, risk tolerance, breakeven analysis, crop insurance, and market volatility.

The “Managing the Margin” workshop was developed by and will be conducted by John Berry, a former dairy farmer who now works for Cooperative Extension in Pennsylvania.

The program ay each location begins at 10:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.

There is a $15 registration fee, which secures a spot at the workshop and lunch.