In 2003, Michael Lewis authored Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. If you’ve seen the movie version, you know it’s based on the career of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, who bucked conventional scouting by drafting players with a quiet, statistical edge. Rather than competing for stars, Beane—in a disadvantaged revenue situation…
With cash rents, repair bills, and other expenses coming due, you may be anxious to sell some of your harvest grain. But a cash-only sale has a drawback: you walk away from potential upside in the market. And storing that grain has its own risks. Now there are two alternatives. Here to walk through two…
Corn and soybean markets have been discouraging lately, to say the least. Trade uncertainty, changing world demand, fund positions, and large crop projections have created a crazy environment around commodity prices. It’s natural to fear what’s next and wonder what you can do to keep your operation on sound footing. While we don’t pretend to…
Please join us for live podcast recordings of “In the Driver’s Seat” episodes. Look through the following schedule for the topics you’re most interested in, then grab a seat for an entertaining and informative discussion. Tuesday, 8/27 9:00am Preserving Quality in Your Grain How to handle, store, and keep grain high quality for the…
Locks and dams along the Illinois River have been in operation for over 50 years and need occasional repair. Unlike previous river upgrades scheduled during the winter months, this year there will be major work on Illinois lock and dam structures beginning in July 2020. The following video interview from the Farm Progress Show dives…
With the turn of the calendar, we’re off to a new year and working toward new goals. Coming into 2023, crop prices are historically strong, but input prices remain elevated as well. Each year sets up differently as far as a profitable grain marketing plan is concerned. That’s why now is a good time to…
During the “commodity super-cycle” between 2007 and 2012, it wasn’t unusual for net farm income to top $125,000. But statistics show median farm income around $35,000 in 2017. Some would say we’re in a “winter of agriculture”—meaning a tougher challenge for some operations. But noted ag economist Dr. David Kohl says there are many new…
You’ve purchased inputs, your fuel tanks are full, and you’re ready to roll. In just days, you’ll be planting. But have you really prepared for a new crop year? Not without a marketing plan. A few hours of planning now will pay off later—maybe a lot. To help in the next crucial days, here are…
You’ve purchased inputs, your fuel tanks are full, and you’re ready to roll. In just days, you’ll be planting. But have you really prepared for a new crop year? Not without a marketing plan. A few hours of planning now will pay off later—maybe a lot. To help in the next crucial days, here are…
Every day, it seems there’s a new gadget that promises to help you farm—and they keep on coming. Last year alone, there were a record 580 investment deals betting money on the next tech device or computer program.1 As a producer, how do you weed through all the options for those worth your time and…
