The American Soybean Association (ASA) will host a series of four "Planting Decision 2000" town hall meetings to help producers make well-informed planting decisions for next year. At the meeting, producers will have questions answered by an expert with the full resources of the ASA, an organization that is on the front-line of the marketing of U.S. soybeans. ASA has export offices in 14 cities around the world and also represents soybean producers in farm policy matters and industry relations.

"One of the biggest challenges farmers are facing right now is making the right planting decision in view of the current controversy surrounding biotechnology," said ASA President Marc Curtis, a soybean producer from Leland, Miss. "Understanding the current market for U.S. soybeans will help all of us make sound decisions."

At the Town Hall meeting, speakers will talk about the international and domestic market for biotech-derived soybeans. Biotechnology-derived soybeans containing the Roundup Ready® gene were the only biotech soybeans commercially grown in 1999. These soybeans have the import approvals from all 37 countries that require approval. But, environmental activists in the U.S. and abroad, with sensational media stunts and allegations have caused buyers to examine the possibility of sourcing non-biotech crops. ASA will help farmers evaluate the outlook for next year.

Producers will learn what costs and benefits must be consider in their planting decision for next year. Farmers who are considering an Identity Preserved (IP) production contract, will find out if the premiums offered will be adequate to cover their additional labor costs. Experts will assist producers in identifying all of the costs involved so that they can make the right decisions.

Participants will learn how they can reduce risks and liabilities during the next growing season. Producers need to know that under some contracts they could be held financially responsible for the cost of a much larger shipment if their level of biotech grain exceeds the contracted amount, and how to protect themselves in the event that the non-biotech seed they purchased contained some biotech seeds. The risks could be enormous, and ASA will provide information on how to reduce these risks.

"Producers need the latest information on the acceptance and marketing of soybeans—both conventional and biotechnology—to help them make an informed decision," Curtis said.

The registration fee is $15 for ASA members and $35 for non-ASA members. Any ASA member bringing a non-member who registers will have their registration fee refunded. Producers who are not ASA members may join the ASA and then take advantage of the reduced member registration rate. To register, call (800) 688-7692, ext. 294, or write to: ASA/Town Hall, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141.

Cities/Dates/Locations

Ithaca, Neb., on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC).

Watertown, S. Dak., on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1901 Ninth Ave. SW.

Indianapolis, Ind., on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1999, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select at the Pyramids, 3850 Depauw Blvd., (near I-465 North).

Madison, Wis., on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1999, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn South, 4916 E. Broadway, (near U.S. 12 and I-90).