Reaching the elite....

So I just got back from the Commodity Classic, which if you are not from the ag industry, sounds like a golfing event. It is actually a group of "elite" producers who farm large acreage amounts of corn, soybeans, & wheat and belong to the respective associations. It is truly amazing how much money is spent on this event to reach this relatively small group of farmers. But with commodity prices through the roof let me tell you what I learned:

• Prices are very, very good. However, input prices have risen too, so the profits will be good but not as good as some would think.
• Farmers are so resilient. They have such an optimism about them and I am glad they are doing well.
• Machinery is in high demand and scarce at this point already. Those who have inventory should promote that fact.
• These "elite" producers love Fastline! (Shameless plug , I know) We only signed up four people at the show because the remainder told us they are already on our mailing list. The folks that did sign up missed us in Louisville or their home state farm show. I'll save the story about the farmer who was buried with his Fastline for another post but these guys really love our publications.

The bottom line is our industry is doing very well...not to say there aren't challenges (livestock guys) but for the most part everyone seems to think 2008 will be a great year. One question for those in marketing is: What will you do to take advantage of this?

Call me....I have a few ideas.