Some Questions.
As Dr. Carl Zulauf always liked to say, you can't get the right answers without asking the right questions.
In the last week, I’ve opened two different presentations with questions before even starting. I really like this format because once I start my presentation, audiences ‘narrow’ their questions to either what I present, or topics adjacent. By asking for questions first, and then either answering them as I go along, or having them ready at the end, it has really led to much better Q&A.
One additional advantage of this method is that it provides a natural excuse to write down the questions as they come in, which is a great record to have afterwards. Unfortunately, I didn’t write down the questions that came at the end of the presentations, which I wish I had.
31 January 2025, Community Bankers Association of Ohio, Findlay, OH. Topic was outlook for the Agricultural Economy.
Should the US be more involved in helping developing countries to counter China’s Belt & Road initiative?
What is the biggest thing that Ag Lenders should keep on their radar?
As someone who recently worked in the Farm Credit system, and has now returned to community banking, what advantages do I believe that community banks have compared to Farm Credit Associations?
What should crop farmers diversify into? What other varieties (IP, etc) are attractive, or even other businesses for young farmers?
Can you expand on your comments on Farm Family Mental Health, Divorce and Dynamics? (This came after the presentation in which I mentioned these issues)
What is happening to the value of the US dollar, why, and what is the outlook? Will it affect exports?
What are my thoughts on farm land prices?
What can or should be done to make succession planning more successful?
3 February 2025, Iowa Soybean Association Farm Forward Event: (note that this was the Monday morning after Trump had announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico)
Should we worry about tariffs? Are they just a tool in negotiations?
Under the USMCA are the proposed tariffs legal?
If Mexico chooses to escalate & retaliate, what effect would that have on corn prices in the US?
Since the 1980s, there have been many policy shifts and shocks…are the tariffs any different?
What lessons can we learn from 2024?
(EDIT: The below questions also came from the Iowa Soybean event via text. I forgot to include them in the original list)
Did the Trump 1.0 tariffs generate more revenue for than the treasury than the cost of the direct payments given to farmers?
With all the money China has spent in South America on infrastructure. how much effect will a tariff actually affect United States growers
Do direct payments actually hurt smaller farmers in the long run?
I have an unpopular opinion, mandates are bad for industry including agriculture.
Are these tariffs not just causing more planting more acres in Brazil?
Is free trade dead?
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