Gauge Your Ag Operation’s Risk at AgViews Live 2023

Even though the ag outlook is currently bright, it’s important to stay vigilant. Find out what to monitor, what to ignore and how to position yourself for success, no matter what lies ahead at AgViews Live – Bell Bank’s popular and FREE ag seminar.

Ag finance author and speaker Dr. David Kohl will show you how to manage global and domestic economic trends to increase your odds for success with the “five-percenter” business model.

“Often, the top 20% of successful business owners are the “five-percenters” – the business owners who are about 5% better at management basics than other business owners,” David notes.

He’ll explain how to benchmark your business to peers for the management variables most likely to place the odds of success in your favor. And David will share his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in ag as trade concerns, inflation and higher interest rates influence strategies and tactics for successfully operating a business.

Lynn Paulson, Bell’s director of agribusiness development, will explain why planning is paramount – even in the best of times. While it’s important to enjoy the ride, Lynn says it’s also crucial to monitor your:

• Working capital
• Marketing plan
• Leverage
• Cash flow

“In general, agriculture is in as great financial shape as I’ve seen in the last 40 years,” Lynn remarks. “Flush with cash, producers have upgraded equipment and facilities, acquired land and expanded or reinvested into their operations. No doubt, there are some who maybe haven’t shared in this overall level of prosperity, but by and large, the ‘good old days’ are probably happening right now.”

Still, Lynn says it behooves producers and their lenders to stay vigilant in these good times to best prepare for the future.

“Having adequate working capital or liquidity becomes the bridge over troubled financial waters,” he comments.

Lynn will comment on what he and other Bell Bank Agriculture lenders are seeing around the region. He’ll also share the importance of making good decisions with current financial gains, avoiding complacency and preventing the poor financial habits that can be masked by short-term profits.

• July 24: Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo - 1635 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, North Dakota
• July 25: Sioux Falls Convention Center - 1201 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• July 26: Glacier Canyon Lodge - 45 Hillman Rd., Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Ag producer Matt Swenson says either he or his father try to attend the conference every year and he’s even brought his teen sons.

“I was extremely impressed with how they got into what Lynn Paulson and Dr. Kohl had to say,” Matt notes. “When we left, both boys were wondering when we can go to another meeting like this. I believe attending events like this help us improve our business to be able to address issues we will face down the road.”

Lucas Schulte, market president of CCFBank in Tomah, Wis., has also attended Bell’s ag conference every year and says AgViews Live has been a great way to obtain insight into the agricultural world from a national and world perspective.

“Dr. Kohl cuts through the noise of the media and economic indicators to deliver a refined message,” Lucas remarked. “I appreciate the intimate setting and open dialog with both Dr. Kohl and Mr. Paulson.”

Contact Kelly Hegney at 701-451-7536 or khegney@bell.bank to register by July 12!