No one will forget 2020.  Covid-19 didn’t care where you work or live, what church or school you attend.   Everyone was affected, if not infected in one way or another.  Agriculture has certainly has its ups and downs during the past 18 months.  2020 began with boost of confidence as trade agreements were established and plans were made for a rebound in demand for agricultural products.  By mid-summer the commodity and livestock prices bottomed out as demand for grain dried up and processors closed due to availability of labor.  Ironically, by September the economy had adjusted to life with covid, returning a demand for agricultural products that has not slowed down, with price opportunity not available since the 2008-2013 profit period in agriculture.  

                With the continued increase in price and profit outlook for the coming year, the Ag Expo planning committee invited Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus with Virginia Tech to present via Zoom in March.  He taught that in this economy, one must have business intelligence and street smarts to be successful.  The program discussed the assessment of management knowledge that places a business in the top third or the bottom third of profitability.  He shared the financial and business management characteristics that one must focus on in planning, strategizing, executing and monitoring for 2021 and beyond.    

                A lot has happened in the last twelve months including economic recession, unemployment, civil unrest, and the top four most profitable year in agriculture in the last 50 years when adjusted for inflation.   Interest, energy and trade policy are all on the table for review in a new congress and administration.  Dr. Kohl took the audience through a look back and ahead to assist in planning for 2021.