Every producer sells grain, but not every producer markets grain. The difference comes down to having a plan instead of waiting for the perfect price. From understanding your cost of production to recognizing profitable opportunities before harvest, disciplined grain marketing can help producers make more consistent decisions throughout the year.

We haven't finished harvesting this year's crop, but it's already time to think about next year's expenses. With so much uncertainty around grain prices and production, how can smaller, deliberate marketing decisions help?

Sometimes a modest grain hedge can accomplish more than its percentage of production suggests. Here's how I paired a known nitrogen fertilizer expense with a targeted corn sale—and why reducing unknowns matters just as much as maximizing price.

Friday's WASDE report arrives with the market weighing two competing stories: larger old-crop supplies and growing concerns about harvest delays and declining crop conditions. Here's what producers should be watching and why the report could shape grain market direction heading into the remainder of harvest.

Grain markets entered last week's U.S.-China trade talks expecting progress on agricultural demand, especially for soybeans. While new tariff reductions were announced, soybeans were noticeably absent from the list. Here's what was announced, why the market reacted negatively, and what needs to happen next for grain prices to regain momentum.

North Dakota soybean harvest is beginning with one of the strongest harvest basis markets seen in years. Strong competition between local crushers and exporters has created unique marketing opportunities, but those premiums may not last. Understanding basis, carry, and storage economics could make all the difference this harvest.

Many producers assume storing grain automatically leads to higher prices. In reality, the better question is whether the market is paying you to store it. Understanding carry, basis, and your true cost of ownership can help turn grain storage into a calculated marketing decision instead of a hopeful one.

Harvest can consume every available hour, but next year’s margin is already taking shape. From potential ARC-CO or PLC payments to deferred hedges and fall crop insurance, producers have decisions to make before September deadlines arrive. There may not be one perfect answer—the important thing is understanding the trade-offs and making the decision deliberately.

Geopolitical tensions are putting a risk premium into grain markets, particularly wheat—but how long can it last? As harvest approaches, actual yields, export demand, and available supplies will increasingly take over the conversation. For producers, knowing whether a rally is driven by headlines or fundamentals can help identify valuable pricing opportunities.

USDA and Pro Farmer are more than seven bushels apart on their national corn yield estimates, and the market is paying attention. But producers have a more important question to answer: Is the rally creating a marketing opportunity? Before trying to decide which estimate is right, take a closer look at the numbers that matter to your own operation.

North Dakota’s hot, dry summer has put crop size in focus, but futures may not be the only part of the market worth watching. With strong crush demand, expanded end-user capacity and PNW export opportunities competing for fewer bushels, basis is already responding. Here’s what producers should be watching heading into harvest.

Yield estimates aren't just about predicting what the combine will tell us. A realistic estimate can change harvest logistics, crop insurance expectations, contract risk, and how many bushels are actually left to market.

By starting with what is in the field—and honestly accounting for uncertainty—producers can make better decisions before harvest arrives.

Global grain demand doesn't stop at the export terminal—it reaches all the way to your local elevator. Learn how export sales, trade relationships, and international buying patterns influence futures, basis, and ultimately the cash price you receive for your grain.

Every day brings another headline explaining why grain markets moved. But the reality is that no single story drives prices. Here's a look at the five key factors traders are watching right now—and why having a marketing plan matters more than trying to predict every market move.

Most producers think of grain bins as harvest storage, but they can be much more than that. When managed with a marketing plan, on-farm storage becomes a tool for improving flexibility, managing risk, and capturing opportunities throughout the year. The key is knowing when storage creates value—and when another strategy may provide a better return.

Harvest planning goes beyond yield—it's also about logistics and marketing. While new crop basis has remained near historical levels, changing export demand and fuel costs could create opportunities as harvest approaches. Here's what producers should be watching.

USDA gave the market some answers today, but the bigger questions remain: yield, demand, and how much of the crop is really still in play. That is where the next move will be made.

The market isn't bullish or bearish right now—it's uncertain. And that uncertainty may be the biggest risk producers face. While clear trends offer a framework for decision-making, directionless markets create hesitation, emotional decisions, and missed opportunities. The challenge isn't predicting the next move. It's having a plan before it happens.

Large speculative funds can move grain markets quickly, but their activity isn't a prediction of future prices. Recent CFTC data shows funds have shifted from aggressive corn buying to a net short position while maintaining a sizable long position in soybeans. Understanding these moves can help producers identify marketing opportunities and better navigate market volatility.

The USDA Risk Management Agency is expected to release final county yields for the 2025 crop year next week. These figures will determine whether SCO and ECO crop insurance payments are triggered, providing growers with valuable insight into the effectiveness of their risk management strategy and helping guide future insurance decisions.

Corn prices have fallen sharply since the May 19 peak as traders unwind bullish expectations that failed to materialize. While demand fundamentals remain supportive, the absence of Chinese buying, non-threatening weather, and seasonal weakness has fueled liquidation. The market now faces a critical test of support levels as investors weigh strong export demand against a lack of fresh bullish catalysts. Until demand surprises or weather concerns emerge, rallies may continue to attract sellers.