MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Three agricultural agencies are bringing Mississippi farmers together in six upcoming meetings to consider issues affecting their industry in 2004.

Mississippi State University's Extension Service, the Mississippi Farm Bureau and the National Resources Conservation Service are organizing the meetings between Jan. 27 and Feb. 27. Meeting sites will be in Tunica, Grenada, Stoneville, Hattiesburg, Raymond and Starkville.

"The purpose of these meetings is to discuss issues and identify factors that will affect the profitability of agriculture in 2004 and help producers, lenders and agribusiness firms make more informed marketing and management decisions," said Charlie Forrest, agricultural economist with MSU's Extension Service.

In addition to a general agricultural outlook, topics will address farm and U.S. economies, conservation programs, agricultural policy, trade issues, production costs, new technologies and crop insurance. Participants will learn how to analyze and identify a successful farm.

Each day's program begins at 9 a.m., includes a lunch sponsored by the Mississippi Farm Bureau, and concludes shortly after 3 p.m.

January meetings will take place at the Tunica County Development Complex on Jan. 27, the Grenada County Extension Office on Jan. 28, and the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville on Jan. 29. February meetings are set for the Forrest County Extension Office on Feb. 24, the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond on Feb. 25 and the Bost Extension Theater on the MSU campus on Feb. 27.

For more information, contact the local Extension offices.