What Does Fertilizer Really Cost? Due to poor fertilizer application seasons in 2019, inventories are over-supplied, and prices are near historic lows. Lock in your spring and fall 2020 needs before there’s a price rebound. This has been the message of ADM Farm Direct Fertilizer over the winter. Their monthly conference calls and a mobile…
It’s hard to believe we’ve turned the page on 2019. Maybe you’re reviewing what went well (or what you could improve upon) and are making plans to step up your game in 2020. There’s a lot of wisdom in experience. In that spirit, we’re bringing you highlights from some of our best episodes of In…
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…
“The thing about farming,” says Matthew Kroes, ADM Origination Specialist in Indiana and Illinois, “is that there’s always something else to do—always something to take you away from selling your grain.” That’s where offers come in: letting a grain buyer know you’re willing to sell some bushels at a firm price or a price range that…
In the past, farmers had fewer choices. Now, there are dozens of grain marketing methods to work toward more profitable prices for your crops. Here, we’ve defined each category and their pros and cons. Every farm and producer is unique. Combine the methods you’re comfortable with into a customized plan. Manage your risk by starting…
When it comes to spreading risk and planning for profit, the calendar is your friend. Timing your grain marketing — that is, selling portions of your crop at intervals throughout the year — is not only a good way to spread risk; it also helps remove some of the emotions around marketing. “A time-stamped marketing…
The market is carefully watching news about corn and soybean acreage, planting delays from flooding, and trade news. Any one factor could quickly change price direction—or not. You need to be ready for both scenarios. Bryce Knorr, respected grain market analyst with Farm Futures magazine, believes that 2019 will hold opportunities to make a profit…
When markets are bordering your break-even, it’s encouraging to hear from producers who are making it work. One straight-shooter on the speaking circuit is Matt Bennett. He grows corn and soybeans on a 3,000-acre farm in Illinois. For Bennett, it all comes down to staying focused and preparing for unforeseen opportunities. “We’re all under stress…
One big question in 2019 is trade: Will the U.S. and China reach an agreement? Will Congress approve the pact with Canada and Mexico? While export markets are important, there are other market drivers to consider: South American weather, African swine fever, and U.S. corn-soybean acreage swings, to name just a few. Because so much…
Going into a new crop year, you need some early wins, and February gives you the perfect chance to do that. How? By locking in lower fertilizer prices while also contracting some of your new-crop bushels in spring markets—typically some of the best of the year. With this combination—like playing both defense and offense—you can…
