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Tag Archives Understanding Market Bulls and Bears

Wheat seeds spilling from hand, close-up
Cereals, Columns, Crops

Summer fun in volatile grain markets

With markets making moves, it’s a good time to understand “basis only” contracts

By
Activity in both the grain futures markets and the old crop and new crop deferred delivery markets has been dynamic in recent months. Weather worries sparked futures markets dramatically higher in a short time. As the hot weather dragged on, buyers became eager to get their hands on old crop stocks, in case the new […] Read more
Concept of making money agriculture
Columns, Markets

Locking your crop prices in early

Some farmers are afraid to take on the risks of pricing too early in the growing season

By
In my experience, most farmers will not price grains six months prior to seeding because it seems too risky — they’re concerned about delivery risk. How can you reduce or eliminate delivery risk so that, if prices are profitable early in the year, you’re not afraid to price some or most of your crop and […] Read more
Making those tough decisions
Columns

Making those tough decisions

Agronomy, marketing, economics. Farmers have many decisions to make during the year

By
Back in the beginning of this growing year, it was an early and warm spring season. Many farmers started seeding early, aware that they were taking on the risk of a frost and having to reseed. That gamble paid off for the majority of farmers who took the risk, as the weather stayed warm and […] Read more
coast guard during storm in ocean
Columns, Markets

The perfect (market) storm is upon us

Markets are roiling for many different reasons. Will you survive the ultimate storm?

By
In the movie The Perfect Storm, three different storm cells came together to create the a storm that George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and the rest of the crew didn’t stand a chance against. I can see something of a version of that happening in the grain markets right now. Storm 1: Weather The uncertainty as […] Read more
grain sample dish
Columns, Crops

Use your knowledge to your advantage

You know the quality of your grain. Use your knowledge to maximize profits

By
Pay attention to what you are seeing and hearing at the elevator and from the neighbours in regards to the grade and quality of grain coming off combines this fall. This will help you understand what’s out there and where your production fits into the big picture. Is your quality and protein above or below […] Read more
Marketing grain in a dry spring
Columns, Markets

Marketing grain in a dry spring

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Dry early season weather can bring marketing opportunities. Be ready to take advantage

By
Spring is officially upon us, though you could argue that it has been here since Christmas! I have seen equipment in the fields in Central Alberta since mid-March. Everyone wants to get the crop planted, but they realize the risks of seeding early. They may be out on the land more for their state of […] Read more
A six-month marketing check in
Columns, Markets

A six-month marketing check in

Looking back at recent market movements, what should you have done?

By
Looking back over the last six months, how did you do from a marketing perspective? The fastest way to assess this is to look at a couple of commodity price charts. You can find these charts and more online for free at tradingcharts.com. Wheat price First, let’s look at May Minneapolis wheat futures (see chart at […] Read more
Columns

Who’s selling the grain here?

This farm couple asks for another opinion about who should be marketing their grain

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During the winter conference season I had several conversations with farmers over coffee and lunches. One farm couple brought me into their discussion around who should be marketing grain on their farm: the “farmer” husband or the “bookkeeping” wife? This couple has been married and farming for 15 plus years, with a couple of kids. […] Read more
Man standing in field with combine
Columns, Crops

Think twice before expanding your farm operation

Bigger or better? Sometimes it makes more sense to stay the size you are

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Attending or speaking at conferences, meetings and seminars over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to have numerous discussions with producers on a multitude of topics. Most of the discussions centered around what is going to happen in grain markets, what should they seed and when should they price their grain. As […] Read more
Some speakers noted that when the U.S. dollar falls, the Canadian dollar is pushed higher. This won’t be good for grain prices.
Columns

Market outlooks at Farm Tech 2016

Understanding Market Bulls and Bears: Two farm marketing experts were analyzing the markets in Edmonton in January

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I attended Farm Tech 2016 in Edmonton this January to see the latest in Ag technology. This three-day ag information show was an early sellout once again, which shows just how popular it is. Those those attending the show are getting younger. On the technology side there continues to be exponential development in the areas […] Read more

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