Merchandisers' Corner

The View From the Starship Enterprise

”We can’t buy corn for anything these days,” Mark said to his scale operator, Larry. “If it’s tough in June, what will it be like by August? Is there any corn left out there?” Merchandisers and managers across large parts of the country are struggling to buy old-crop corn and soybeans, despite record-high basis values. Accumulating a train-load quantity seems a distant memory for many managers, and a few soybean crush plants are already shutting down until harvest due to tight...
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Affordable Options

CME/CBOT launches Weekly Grain Option Contracts in late May 2011.

Article • May 11th, 2011
The Times They Are A-Changing'

The grain industry is struggling with many changes and there will be winners and losers. How you view change may go a long way to determine on which side you will land.

Article • August 11th, 2008
Mark to Market: Facts vs. Financial Fantasy

We visit Mike, the grain co-op general manager, as he tries to separate fact from fantasy regarding Mark to Market grain accounting.

Article • January 2nd, 2008
The View From the Starship Enterprise

How will the United States shift from extreme shortages to potential record crops?

Article • June 13th, 2013
Follow the Signals

A playbook for making money despite the challenges of 2012

Article • October 19th, 2012
Post MF Global

A recap of the firm's collapse, the discovery of missing funds and the bankruptcy filing that shook the futures industry to its core.

Article • August 21st, 2012
Lessons Learned

Drawing from the unique challenges of drought-reduced crops.

Article • August 16th, 2012
Risk Management Goes to Grad School

A CBOT primer: New ways to manage risk

Article • July 9th, 2012
The Incredible Shrinking Margin

“I’m taking my soybeans down the road this year — their bid is a nickel higher than yours most days anymore, and their moisture discounts are better, too.” Sound familiar? Managers always dread when farmers say they’re going elsewhere...

Article • September 26th, 2011
The Magic of Trading in Limit Markets

Diana Klemme explores strategies for selling futures on "limit-down" days.

Article • July 12th, 2011
Fast Forward

Use technology to your advantage to enhance your business, and to make your business attractive and relevant to customers who were weaned on technology.

Article • April 18th, 2011
When $7 = $4.80

How elevator managers can wear the "farm advisor" hat while maintaining their competitive interests.

Article • January 24th, 2011
KC Wheat Futures Shift Gears

Climbing wheat futures make elevator managers struggle to meet margin calls on short hedges.

Article • December 9th, 2010
Happy Customers Spur Long-Term Success

Excellent customer service requires more than a thank you and a smile. It’s about meeting — and oftentimes, exceeding — expectations before, during and after a transaction. Unfortunately, the rise of technology and innovation has fostered a...

Article • September 27th, 2010
Bigger Crops Pose Big Challenges

Along with adding space, strategically re-evaluate your firm's position for a future with ever-growing crop volumes

Article • September 20th, 2010

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Merchandisers' Corner

The View From the Starship Enterprise

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