The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is planning an informational workshop to help farmers learn more about their obligations under forward contracts for grain. The event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 15, in Albion at the Boone County Event Center Dining Hall.

NDA Director Greg Ibach said the workshop has been planned to help sellers of grain understand more about the contracting process, particularly given the current market climate within the corn and ethanol markets. The workshop is being coordinated through NDA's Farm Mediation Program. A program attorney will be on hand to discuss sellers' rights under grain contracting, and how those rights may be affected by bankruptcy.

"Nebraska has very strong corn and ethanol production industries, but current events have left many folks with questions about the contracting process. We are hopeful that this informational workshop will help producers better understand their obligations and options," Ibach said.

Ibach said farmers with VeraSun Ethanol grain contracts may have an interest in this workshop, but the information that will be shared also should be valuable to anyone who forward contracts grain. Additional workshops may be held, depending on the level of interest and need, Ibach said.

The NDA Farm Mediation Program conducts monthly informational workshops in several Nebraska communities, covering topics such as farm finances; the laws, regulations and policies governing the Farm Service Agency; debt restructuring, and other legal options. More information about the Mediation Program can be found at www.agr.ne.gov.

Preregistration for the Albion workshop is not required but is encouraged in order to help organizers plan for the event. Individuals who plan to attend are asked to call the NDA Mediation phone line at 800-446-4071. The Boone County Event Center is located at 2616 Fairgrounds Road in southwest Albion.