Building a strong merchandising foundation is key to success when other responsibilities take priority.
Knowing your grain company is key to navigating the change between carry and inverted markets
As hedging is one of the constants of grain merchandising, here are some tried-and-true tips to make you successful
Use these three skills to overcome the merchandising challenges that hit your profit margin
During volatile times, remember the basics of grain trading
Help your growers make the right decision in a tumultuous year
Market conditions may be out of a merchandiser's control, but steps can be made to tip the scales in their favor
Ensuring access to capital is key to being able to pounce on opportunities when they appear
What are the keys to creating a successful practice as a grain merchandiser?
How to discuss the risks and fees of your customer’s grain marketing options in a down year
Becoming a master basis trader takes years of honing skills, but key concepts can lay a solid foundation
What grain merchandisers can learn from losing their tunnel vision
Planning can help turn planting season opportunities into momentum
The simple goals of a business can get lost when plans get complicated
No sales strategy will work on every producer, so focus on the ones that represent the grain elevator's values
Being proactive with contract details is key to maintaining good relationships with producers
Use your space, don't let it use you
Awareness and discipline are needed to take advantage of the carry
Explain how you’re the middleman, but everyone still wins
The country elevator has survived predictions of obsolesce by finding new ways to add value to the supply chain
How long should you wait for basis opportunities between the buy and the sell?
Producers take a lot of risks, but it really pays off when marketing their crops
A producer’s investment in on-farm storage means changing the services you sell them
Trust your instincts when it feels like the right time to sell
Pre-harvest profit talks lead to less post-harvest questions
Avoid these common pitfalls and stay ahead of the merchandising game
How to explain to customers that your profits don't come out of theirs.
Beware the results of poor grain buying policies.
Merchandisers should know their risk before developing a plan for harvest.