We know farmers are good at producing grain, but we want them to be good at marketing it, too. Grain marketing is a critical part of keeping farming operations profitable. From the history of grain trading to the importance of domestic and international
Dive into a grain market outlook for 2025 with industry experts Darin Newsom of Barchart and Alan Brugler of Brugler Marketing and Management. Recorded live at the 2024 Nebraska Ag Expo, this Grain IQ episode captures key insights from their panel discussion, Grain Markets – Now and Into 2025. Hosted by Rural Radio Network's Chad Moyer and supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board, this conversation tackles current market trends, strategies to navigate challenges, and practical advice for staying profitable. Don't miss the Q&A segment where audience questions drive actionable takeaways for farmers and agribusiness professionals.
Consistent randomness and investigative reporting are two themes that come from the Pro Farmer Crop Tour every August. The tour has become an industry event that analysts, agronomists, farmers and more closely watch for real-time insights on crop conditions in seven states: Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. But what's the significance of the data to the markets? Is it accurate? And how should the data be used in grain marketing decisions? Chip Flory with Pro Farmer leads the Western Leg of the tour each year. He said their team of scouts has the same route during the same week with the same calculation methods to gather realistic data about the crop year after year. In addition to consistent randomness, Flory said the tour serves as an investigative report to level the playing field for farmers with access to data. “There have been years when the crop tour has deviated significantly from what USDA has showed us,” he said. Flory joins us to elaborate on the tour and its significance to grain marketing. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
On-farm grain storage gives farmers another option at harvest, but it also adds a few more factors to consider in a risk management plan. For farmers considering expanding their on-farm storage capacity, what specifically should they be factoring into that decision? What technological advancements in grain storage are making an economic impact? What do farmers need to assess for their grain marketing plan? Dr. Ken Hellevang, a professor and extension engineer in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, joins us to answer these questions in part two of this conversation. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
On-farm grain storage has drastically changed how producers harvest and market their grain. What are the economic benefits of keeping grain in good condition? Are there considerable differences in storage practices? In part one of a two-part discussion, Dr. Ken Hellevang, a professor and extension engineer in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, answers these questions. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Due to the growing demand for soybean oil, soybean crush capacity is rapidly expanding across Nebraska to increase soy oil output. Will this lead to increased soybean prices? How do you factor these elements into your risk management plan? In recent years, there has been a notable increase in demand for soybean oil for use in renewable fuels. Here's some quick math to consider: One bushel of soybeans weighs 60 pounds. Of that, 12 pounds (20%) is soybean oil, which accounts for 37% of the soybean's value. The remaining 47 pounds or so (80%) is soy meal, making up 63% of the soybean's value. Jacquie Holland, an economist with the American Soybean Association, joins us on Grain IQ to explain how crush expansions in the Midwest will impact your grain marketing plan. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
The U.S. Dollar. The Brazilian Deal. The Chinese Yuan. The U.S. Dollar is often referred to in commodity trading, but why? What impact does it have on major commodities? About 65% - 75% of all price settlements and merchandise trade invoices have been settled in U.S. dollars, according to Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics. Plus, farmers get caught up in day-to-day operations, but it's often headlines off the farm, and even off the continent, that impact your risk management plan. Today on Grain IQ, Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics breaks down currency and why it matters.
Every Friday after the markets close, the Commitment of Traders report is released by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). You've likely heard analysts talk about the report, but what does it really mean for your farm? Do the numbers matter if the data is three days delayed? John Payne with Advanced Trading has been in grain marketing for nearly 20 years. He joins us today on Grain IQ to share how you can use the data to make decisions. If you haven't listened to part one, we invite you to start there. Payne explains “the funds,” which lays the groundwork for this conversation. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
The funds are net short. The funds are net long. The funds are... huh? Who are “the funds” anyway, and how do they influence my grain marketing plan? John Payne with Advanced Trading has been in grain marketing for nearly 20 years and he joins us on Grain IQ to answer those questions. This is Part One of a two-part series. Be sure to catch Part Two where Payne breaks down the weekly Commitment of Traders report and how farmers can use that information in their grain marketing plans. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
It seems like market analysts always bring up South American corn and soybean production. Does that really matter for your farming operation? Jeff Peterson, president of Heartland Farm Partners in Lincoln, breaks down South American agriculture - especially in Brazil and Argentina – and how it impacts family farms across the United States. Here's what you can hear in this episode: - Size & scope of South American production - Significance and evolution of South American production - Seasonality of markets based on South American influences - Why this matters for your grain marketing plan Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board. Listen to Grain IQ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or ruralradionetwork.com.
Welcome back to Grain IQ! In this episode, we sit down with Cory Walters, an associate professor in the Department of Ag Economics at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, to dive deep into the world of crop insurance and its role in grain marketing strategies. Cory brings his expertise to the table to give a comprehensive understanding of crop insurance fundamentals. From its ability to rearrange financial outcomes to its importance in managing risk exposure, Cory breaks down key concepts and provides practical insights for farmers looking to optimize their risk management plans. Throughout the conversation, Chad and Cory discuss pre-harvest grain marketing tactics, the nuances of private insurance attachments like SCO and ECO, and the significance of staying informed about changes in county-level yields. Whether you're a seasoned farmer seeking to refine your grain marketing strategies or a newcomer looking to navigate the complexities of crop insurance, this episode of Grain IQ has something for you. Tune in to gain valuable insights to make informed decisions about your farm's financial health. Subscribe and tune in to Grain IQ on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or ruralradionetwork.com. This episode is proudly supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board and brought to you in part by Nebraska Soybean Farmers and their checkoff.
Welcome to Season 4 of the grain marketing podcast, Grain IQ, hosted by Chad Moyer!
Farmers have been hesitant to sell to bushels, as corn and soybean prices witnessed a sharp decline from their earlier peaks. Consequently, elevators find themselves with lower levels of grain ownership, impacting their ability to take advantage of wider carries and basis levels. In some regions, basis has plummeted to multi-year lows. The most recent episode of the Grain IQ podcast featured a discussion on the outlook for grain storage in U.S. Elevators as bushels remain elusive. Guest: Tanner Ehmke, Lead Grains and Oilseeds Economist with CoBank. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Long before the instantaneous internet, grain traders in Chicago made trades by hand. Literally. In fact, traders basically came up with their own version of sign language for this highly-active job. Mark Gold of Top Third Ag Marketing in Chicago described what his job looked like in the 1970s. In this episode of Grain IQ, we go back in history to learn what it was like to trade commodities before computers were part of the picture. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Once a city kid who went to school to be a doctor, Mark Gold with Top Third Ag Marketing in Chicago became a widely-respected grain trader and analyst who continues to serve producers. In this episode of Grain IQ, Gold shares his historical perspective in grain trading and how that impacts today's grain marketing.
Honey, I shrunk the futures contracts! Since the late 1990s, mini futures contracts have been traded, representing a fraction of standard-size contracts. Then came the introduction of micro futures contracts. On this episode of Grain IQ, we'll explore mini and micro futures contracts, including what they are and how you can use them in your grain marketing plan! Fabio Mattos joins us for today's episode. He's an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
You turn up the radio when the broadcaster gives the latest market numbers, and you hear him rattle off multiple months for each commodity. Why? What do those trading months mean? On this episode of Grain IQ, why are there different trading months for corn and soybeans? How do the trading months impact your grain marketing plan? Fabio Mattos, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us for today's episode. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Prevent plant is consistently a topic of conversation in the northern U.S. Whether its spring wheat, canola, sugar beets or sunflowers, how do those unplanted acres impact the corn and soybean market? And what should producers consider with prevent plant acres in their marketing plans? Brian Splitt, co-founders of AgMarket.Net, breaks down northern crop production and how that plays a role in the markets. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Depending on where you're from, marketing wheat is a key component to keeping your operation profitable. PLUS how does the wheat crop impact your corn and soybean marketing? Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics Stay joins us for exclusive bonus content with tips on marketing wheat. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
Even if you don't grow wheat, the wheat crop impacts corn and soybean prices Each May, the Wheat Quality Tour travels through fields in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado to get a snapshot of the year's wheat crop. Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics breaks down how small grains influence your grain marketing plan. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
As spring fieldwork gets underway across the country, what grain marketing strategies should your operation consider this year? Darin Fessler of Lakefront Futures and Options and Doug Simon of Tredas break down the current market and what's important for producers to consider. This episode was live streamed on Facebook and featured questions from live viewers. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
We've seen the grain markets have been active lately, leading to numerous questions for grain producers.
On January 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released three reports. - World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) - 2022 Crop Production Annual Summary - Quarterly Grain Stocks Report With all the data you could consume in those reports, which numbers are important to you and your grain marketing plan? And what will influence the markets in the coming weeks and months? Kyle Bumsted of Allendale and Alan Brugler of Brugler Marketing & Management, LLC join us for today's conversation. This episode was taped in front of a live audience at the 2023 York Ag Conference in York, Nebraska.
Every conversation in this podcast so far has brought up various marketing terms and phrases - some of which you may have heard; others which may be new. This episode is your glossary reference! We've pulled together definitions of important terms and phrases so that you can refer back to them as you create and execute your grain marketing plan.
If you find yourself listening to market analysis, you might hear the terms ‘technical' and 'fundamental.' Throughout the podcast, we've learned about fundamental trading and analysis. This week on Grain IQ, what is technical trading? Can it be used with fundamental trading? How can it be used on your operation? Mike Zuzolo, president of Global Commodity Analytics, breaks down technical trading.
With all the information you can use to make a grain marketing plan, what should you prioritize? Darin Newsom of Darin Newsom Analysis says he does NOT use USDA reports when making grain marketing decisions. Today, we'll learn his perspective on those reports and explore the tools he uses to make grain marketing decisions. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board. It is brought to you in part by Nebraska Soybean Farmers and their checkoff.
We continue part two of our conversation on how to use U.S. Department of Agriculture reports to make grain marketing decisions. Today's focus is on the Quarterly Grain Stocks report. Keep in mind, there are some grain marketing experts who use this information, and there are some who don't. It comes down to what works for making your operation profitable. We're joined again by Jeff Peterson, the president of Heartland Farm Partners in Lincoln.
As you've probably gathered by now, there are so many pieces of information you can use to make grain marketing decisions. It's easy to go into information overload. Some grain marketing experts will tell you why a certain material matters. Other experts will tell you just the opposite for the SAME material - why it doesn't matter. Ultimately what matters for you is developing a grain marketing plan that works for your operation. There are two reports from the United States Department of Agriculture that are used by many market analysts: the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate, or WASDE, and the Quarterly Grain Stocks report. Jeff Peterson, the president of Heartland Farm Partners, joins us to break down why he uses these two reports. Part one focuses on the WASDE report.
We've mentioned it before, but wouldn't it be nice to know exactly when you need to sell your grain? When you create your grain marketing plan for your operation, you'll need to focus on different benchmarks to help you determine when to market your grain. Those benchmarks will be different for pre-harvest and post-harvest marketing. In part two of this conversation, Luke Beckman, a grain sales manager with Central Valley Ag Cooperative, explores strategies and benchmarks for post-harvest marketing.
One of the most frequently asked questions in grain marketing: When should I sell my grain? If only there was a magic ball to predict price trends in the future… Hopefully, somebody's working on that technology, but until then, it's important to develop a marketing strategy that works for your operation. In part one of this conversation, Luke Beckman, a Grain Sales Manager with Central Valley Ag Cooperative, is going to walk us through trends and suggestions for pre-harvest marketing plans. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board. It is brought to you in part by Nebraska Soybean Farmers and their checkoff.
Now that you've learned about puts and calls in options trading, let's put the ideas into workable examples. Doug Simon, a commodity consultant with Tredas, works through math problems to help you better understand options trading and how it can be a part of your grain marketing plan.
What are my options with options trading? Should I sell a put or buy a call, or buy a put or sell a call? Confused yet? It's a lot to digest! Doug Simon, a commodity consultant with Tredas, breaks down puts and calls and how they can layer into your grain marketing plan.
Put me in, coach! There are all kinds of players in the futures market, from grain buyers to money managers to food processors and more. Farmers are actually just a small piece of that puzzle. In this episode of Grain IQ, we explore the players in the futures market. Who is involved and how does that impact YOU, the farmer? Justin Lovegrove, owner, president and grain marketing advisor with the ARC Group, describes the players in the futures market.
Many grain producers base their grain marketing decisions on basis or the cash market. So why is it important that farmers understand the futures market? Darin Fessler, senior hedge advisor at Lakefront Futures and Options, said that understanding the futures market can help producers better manage risk throughout the year.
Guest: Jeff Peterson, Heartland Farm Partners Throughout season one of Grain IQ, listeners have learned about factors that influence commodity trade, tendencies of different types of grain marketers and strategies for developing a grain marketing plan. In this episode of Grain IQ, Jeff Peterson, president of Heartland Farm Partners, shares helpful resources for developing a marketing plan.
Guest: Ed Usset, University of Minnesota While it's important to understand basis, the Chicago Board of trade, seasonality patterns and more in grain marketing, it's even more important to be able to think about all of those components collectively to develop a marketing plan. In the latest episode of Grain IQ, Ed Usset, a grain marketing economist for the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, explores two main types of grain marketing plans: pre-harvest and post-harvest. Usset said producers can view his pre and post-harvest grain marketing plans for corn, soybeans and wheat dating back to 2014. The plans are available here.
Every year is different when it comes to grain marketing, but some patterns will hold true. In this episode of Grain IQ, Heartland Farm Partners President Jeff Peterson sheds light on how the seasonality of grain can impact your marketing plan. Grain IQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, in cooperation and with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board.
In order to stay profitable, producers have to sell their commodities at or above their breakeven. Seems pretty simple, right? So who determines what those commodities are worth? How do other people buy and sell futures and options? Who sets the prices of commodities? That's where the Chicago Board of Trade comes into play. In this episode of Grain IQ, author and market analyst Elaine Kub explains the role the Chicago Board of Trade plays in setting the futures price for commodities.
What is basis and why does it play a role in grain marketing? Basis is the difference between the futures price and the cash price. It's an indication of whether or not a local buyer wants your grain. The more positive the basis, the more the buyer is willing to pay for your grain. The more negative the basis, the less the buyer is willing to pay for grain. There are many factors, both seasonal and situational, that affect basis. Jeff Peterson, president of Heartland Farm Partners and University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor of practice, breaks down basis and how it affects a grain marketing plan.
The U.S. exports a lot of grain. In fact, U.S. exports of grain in all forms reached nearly 101 million metric tons in the 2019/20 marketing year. So what countries rely on U.S. grain? Where does it go? How does it get there? In this episode of Grain IQ, author and market analyst Elaine Kub explores the developing and major international markets for U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat.
Have you ever wondered how the U.S. uses grain produced by its own farmers? You'd probably be surprised to learn about all of its uses! Author and market analyst Elaine Kub dives into the domestic uses of U.S. grain, specifically for corn, soybeans and wheat.
Every grain producer has a different personality, different preferences, and different tendencies which impacts the ways in which they think about grain marketing. On this episode of Grain IQ, we'll explore two main types of grain marketers: pre-harvest marketers and post-harvest marketers.
Before futures contracts and the Chicago Board of Trade, grain marketing was as simple as a farmer trying to make money. These days, basis, grain elevators, and other factors have made grain marketing a complicated endeavor. Gain a greater understanding of the origins of the grain markets in Episode 1 of GrainIQ, featuring Ed Usset, grain marketing economist for the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota, and hosted by Chad Moyer.
We know farmers are good at producing grain, but we want them to be good at marketing it, too. Grain marketing is a critical part of keeping farming operations profitable. From the history of grain trading to the importance of domestic and international markets, we'll help you understand all facets of grain marketing. And, we'll give you resources to build your own grain marketing Hosted by Chad Moyer, GrainIQ is a production of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association in cooperation and with support by the Nebraska Soybean Board.
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