NCDA&CS offers price- risk management classes

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting free price-risk management workshops across the state to help farmers better understand the futures market and other trading options to sell their commodities.

The series, “Managing Price Volatility/Identifying Macro Indicators,” features workshops conducted by NCDA&CS staff.

Topics include an introduction to grain hedging, basis trading, cost of carry, cotton futures, options trading on futures, using options to manage financial risks, and trading strategies to manage exposure to fluctuations in energy costs.

Workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. except where noted. Lunch will be on your own. Registration is not required. Following are the schedule and locations:

Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Northampton Cooperative Extension Center, 9495 N.C. 305 N., Jackson, 252-534-2831. Times are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., prior to a peanut production meeting;

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center Auditorium, 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, 252-583-5161. Times are 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Pitt County Cooperative Extension Center Auditorium, 403 Government Circle, Greenville, 252-902-1704;

Tuesday, March 11 – Stanly Community College, Crutchfield Campus, Room 138, 102 Stanly Parkway, Locust, 704-991-0251;

Friday, March 14 – Carolina Farm Credit’s Administrative Office, 146 Victory Lane, Statesville, 800-521-9952.

For more, contact Nick Lassiter, NCDA&CS marketing specialist, at 919-707-3129.