|
David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. For 25 years, Kohl was Professor of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
He was on special leave with the Royal Bank of Canada working on advanced initiatives for two years, and also assisted in the launch of the successful entrepreneurship program at Cornell University. Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the AAEC Department at Virginia Tech.
Kohl has traveled over 7 million miles throughout his professional career! He has published four books and over 1,000 articles on financial and business-related topics in journals, extension, and other popular publications.
Kohl has addressed the American Bankers Agricultural Conference for over 30 consecutive years, and has appeared before numerous state bankers’ schools and conferences throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the world. He has also been one of the top rated instructors at the LSU and Colorado Graduate Schools of Banking, and is Chancellor of Farm Credit University, which has trained over 700 lenders using an online and face-to-face educational approach.
Kohl has participated is Carolina Farm Credit's Ag Leadership classes for the past ten years. Each year he teaches a group of young, beginning and small farmers about the economic side of farming. In the three days of workshops, he provides them with valuable tools to help them manage their operation and plan for the future.
Kohl is currently President of AgriVisions, LLC. He is also business coach and part owner of Homestead Creamery, a value added dairy business in the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Contact Information:
AgriVisions, LLC
1700 Kraft Drive
Suite 2412
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: (540) 961-2094
FAX: (540) 961-6094
Contact for scheduling:
Angela Meadows
540-719-0752
If you would like to keep up with Kohl’s information and perspectives, you can find his weekly columns on the following websites:
Ag Globe Trotter:
www.farm-credit.com
Road Warrior of Agriculture: www.cornandsoybeandigest.com |
Dr. David M. Kohl - Ag Globe Trotter
Dr. Kohl is the Dean of Farm Credit University and a Professor Emeritus in the Ag Economics Department of Virginia Tech. He has conducted more than 5,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups such as bankers, Farm Credit, FSA, and regulators, as well as producer and agribusiness groups.
Kohl is currently President of AgriVisions, LLC, a knowledge-based consulting business providing cutting-edge programs to leading agricultural organizations worldwide. He regularly writes for Ag Lender and Corn and Soybean Digest and is now writing quarterly articles for the specific use of Farm Credit members.
To read Dr. Kohl's most recent articles, click below on the title of the article.
New! Winter 2013 Article:
Game Changers and the Playbook
A new year has arrived with its share of challenges and uncertainties. The playing field of agriculture is interconnected with the complexities of the global and domestic economies that are impacting business, family and personal lives. What will be the game changers for 2013 and beyond? How will they alter the playbooks of businesses competing on the agriculture playing field?
Fall 2012 Article:
Agriculture in the Next Decade
Dr. Kohl recently shared a panel with Dr. Kathryn Boor, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Mr. Chuck Connor, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. The panel was moderated by Mr. Bill Lipinski, CEO of Farm Credit East. The discussion addressed the future of agriculture and rural America. Let us explore some of the thoughts and perspectives shared that day.
Summer 2012 Article:
Traits of a Winning Producer-Lender Team
Whether it is a young farmer or rancher starting from scratch, a growing and expanding business, a business in transition, or a business that is scaling down or exiting, a team approach between the borrower and lender is a vital element for success. Let us examine the attributes of a “cut above” producer-lender team.
Spring 2012 Article:
The 21st Century Legacy of Agriculture
Despite recent misconceptions on social media about future opportunities in the agriculture industry, there are many reasons to be optimistic, as an industry that is the foundation of the American economy and lifestyle. Here are the top ten reasons to be excited about agriculture, in no particular order.
Winter 2012 Article:
Global Economics
Anyone involved in agricultural decision making needs to keep the emerging markets, often called the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on their radar screen. These nations have represented 50 percent of world economic growth since the year 2000, and therefore have contributed to increased global demand for food, fiber and fuel. The growth of these nations has resulted in a “Swiss cheese” agricultural economy. That is, certain segments and enterprises that align with these nations’ demands have had growth and have become “islands of prosperity.” However, others in the agriculture industry, particularly segments of the protein sector, have experienced elevated input costs, margin compression, or negative margins.
Fall 2011 Article:
Step Up and Be A Leader
Society and the world have become more fragmented by information and technology, which tends to create a loss of focus. In a world where economic volatility and speed of change are accelerating, the opportunities for success are plentiful; however, the opportunities for failure are also abundant. Proactive, strong leadership is essential to maintain focus.
Summer 2011 Article:
Capitalizing on the Megatrends
Recently a number of people have asked what megatrends will evolve in agriculture throughout the remainder of the decade. Observations and interaction with players in the industry have identified trends, and more importantly, how individuals and businesses are empowered to capitalize on them.
Spring 2011 Article:
Young Producers: Opportunities and Stakes are High
In this high opportunities and high stakes environment, the following quote by Gene Brown sums it up. “The good thing about being young is that you are not experienced enough to know you cannot possibly do the things you are doing.”
Winter 2011 Article Outlook 2011: Managing Thru Cycles
The U.S. economy is like a being on a balance beam, where one misstep could result in unfortunate circumstances. Click for more.
Fall 2010 Article
The Sixth C of Credit
Many agricultural producers who have sought loans have overheard loan officers discuss that you will be evaluated on the “Five C’s of Credit.” These include capacity of repayment, character of the borrower, conditions of the credit, collateral to back the loan, and capital or net worth. Another dimension of creditworthiness is emerging as agriculture becomes more interconnected with other segments of the domestic and global economy. The sixth C, cranium, will now become even more important not only for the sustainability of your business but for a balanced lifestyle. Click for more.
Summer 2010 Article:
Career Counseling 101
Many readers are seeking or have children seeking education or employment in the agricultural industry. Others in the mid-stages of their career are contemplating new employment opportunities and possible next moves. Being an educator, I have found that a bond or trust is developed and evolved with many former students, so they seek me out for advice. The following is a set of well thought out questions from a former student, which can be applied to anyone planning to be involved in the agricultural industry. Click for more.
Spring 2010 Article:
Business Tools for Turbulent Times
It is not getting any easier to make a buck in farming. Rising input costs, volatility in prices, global trade issues, the value of the dollar, and issues with the domestic an d global economy will divide the economic winners and losers in the next decade. Click for more.
Winter 2010 Article
The Next Decade:
Your Business, Your Life
The first decade of the 21st Century is almost in the books. There have been many surprises around every corner over the past ten years. While many in the crop sector enjoyed favorable economic times, particularly in the mid- to late-decade, the protein and livestock sectors were challenged at the economic margins. Prices received and cost volatility were at the extremes, bringing a high degree of uncertainty to business decisions. Some producers in contractual agreements that were not fulfilled found counterparty risk a new term in risk management. Those serving sectors of the consumer and general economy have fought a marketplace that is mired in the worst recession since the Great Depression. Click for more.
|