Risk planning workshops for forage producers are set for White River, Isabel and Belle Fourche, SD, in late May. The workshops can help forage and cattle producers with rangeland or hayland learn about changing forage markets and the latest risk management tools, says Matt Diersen, South Dakota State University extension risk management specialist.

Cole Gustafson, a North Dakota State University ag economist, will cover the implications of energy markets on forages and offer future prospects for biomass feedstocks. Laurence Crane, National Crop Insurance Services, will discuss pasture, rangeland and forage insurance, as well as related insurance tools to mitigate spikes in feed costs.

Diersen will present a forage price outlook and discuss the effect of prices of competing crops on hay and pasture prices. Growers will learn how forage production insurance may be used in today's market conditions.

Each workshop is scheduled to run 6:30-9:30 p.m. local time. They take place May 27 at the Emergency Management Building in White River, May 28 at the Community Hall in Isabel and May 29 at First Western Bank in Belle Fourche.

Registration will start at 6 p.m. There is no charge. RSVP with Heather Fairbanks for the White River workshop at 605-259-3385, with Mike Huber for the Isabel workshop at 605-865-3652, or with T.J. Swan for the Belle Fourche workshop at 605-892-2371.

The Risk Management Agency is sponsoring the workshops in conjunction with the South Dakota State University Extension Service.