Risk has always been a part of agriculture. But farming in America has changed drastically over the past few years. Increasingly, farmers are learning that it is now a game with new risks. The most successful farmers are now looking at a deliberate and knowledgeable approach to risk management as a vital part of their plan. For them, risk management means farming with condfidence in a rapidly changing world. It is the ability to deal with risks that come with new farming opportunities.

Farmers generally deal with five types of risks. They are Production Risks, Marketing Risks, Financial Risks, Legal Issues and Human Resource Issues. One of the most important risk management tools is purchasing crop insurance. Crop insurance provides two important benefits. It ensures a reliable level of cash flow and allows more flexibility in your marketing plans.

Free market agriculture is a new and unchartered path for many farmers. Clearly we live in a global economy. As we gaze into the future, the key to success for farmers is RISK MANAGEMENT.

E-mail address: Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu

Mailing address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 3/15/99.
Date Revised 5/11/00.