Recorded December 2004

The Mega-Crop Farmer: Wrestling for Control of the Value Chain

The upside of farm consolidation, for the farm input and output chain, is the opportunity to do more business by servicing fewer farmers.

One of the results of consolidation is the rise of Mega-Farmers. These large producers, who now account for more than 47 percent of U.S. farm sales, have no less than $1 million in farm revenue-and many are far above that threshold.

According to the 2002 Ag Census, the average Mega-Farmer had more than $500,000 in machinery and equipment per farm, and they spent more than $100,000 on chemicals and nearly $120,000 on seed. As a group, their farm production expenses totaled $76 billion.

What an opportunity, right? Well, yes…but only for those who are prepared to fit into the Mega-Farmers' view of the world. That's because Mega-Crop Producers are not afraid to control the value chain. And they have the economic power to do so, if they choose.

As a result, if buyers or input suppliers can't provide a tangible value or opportunity, Mega-Crop Producers will do it for themselves. It's not just that this type of farmer will play you off against your competitors…the Mega- Farmer could someday BE your competitor!

So to do business with Mega-Farmers, you need to not only understand their mindset, you may need to change how you do business to accommodate them. This Webinar, featuring three opinionated Mega-Farmers, will provide you with valuable insights into this powerful force in the marketplace. Order a CD of the complete, uncut 2-hour Webinar, including PowerPoint slides and audio for $249. Orders ship within 48 hours.