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Farmer2Farmer conference brings “Moneyball” concept to Bettendorf

Rolling combines harvest a bumper corn crop for some fields in 2015. But low prices and global pressures also challenge farmers this year. “You’ve g...

Rolling combines harvest a bumper corn crop for some fields in 2015.

But low prices and global pressures also challenge farmers this year.

"You've got to find any kind of competitive advantage that you can find," said Brett McCrory.

McCrory,  a seventh generation Aledo farmer, is finding answers.

"I just bought in immediately," he said.

This is the first-ever national Farmer2Farmer Conference.

It's taking place through Thursday at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.

"We have the world's best information," said one of the presenters.

Some 650 farmers like McCrory are learning about the Farmers Business Network.

The California-based company launched in 2014.

It now gathers and provides data to growers in 25 states.

That includes everything from buying seeds to harvesting crops.

The business is adding 150,000 acres each week to its files.

"We have a network-based business where farmers are coming together," said Kelby Kleinsasser, a vice president with FBN.  "They're sharing information, anonymously, to their own benefits."

Just like statistical analysis changed scouting for major league baseball, farmers hope that pouring over field data will make them more successful.

"You guys can make the best decision about the return on investment on your farms," a conference presenter said.

Farmers like McCrory are paying $500 to join the group.  But the information they get  could be worth a lot more.

"There's a lot of insight that could be gained," he said.  "It would take you so long to do it yourself."

Membership already numbers in the thousands across the country.

Farmers are helping each other to get ahead.

"That's how the world is changing," McCrory concluded.  "If you wait until everything changes, you've probably lost out."

These farmers plan to seize the moment with information for their fields.

The Farmer2Farmer Conference continues through Thursday at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.

For more information, http://www.farmersbusinessnetwork.com

 

 

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