Most producers focus on weather and markets—but the biggest risk in 2026 is internal.
Making marketing decisions without knowing your true breakeven turns volatility into danger.
Without that number, every rally feels uncertain and every drop feels threatening.
Breakeven isn’t just a metric—it’s your decision filter.
And without it, you’re not managing risk—you’re guessing.

The March 31st Prospective Plantings Report is set to shape early grain market sentiment. With corn and soybean acreage both expected to decline, even small shifts between the two could trigger major price moves. Rising input costs, especially for corn, are adding uncertainty. Here’s what producers and traders should watch—and why it matters.

Your crop insurance is only as strong as your APH data.
Even small errors in your yield history can cost you thousands in lost coverage.
With the April 29 deadline approaching, now is the time to review your numbers.
Don’t wait until a claim exposes costly mistakes.
Fix them while you still can.

Grain markets are walking a tightrope as energy volatility, geopolitical tension, and USDA projections collide.
WASDE offered few surprises, but plenty of unanswered questions.
Corn demand assumptions look stretched. Soybeans carry heavy optimism. Wheat’s rally may be more positioning than fundamentals.
With March 31 acreage data looming, traders face critical decisions.
The question isn’t just where prices go — it’s whether you’re positioned to survive the swings.

Escalating U.S.–Iran tensions have already pushed crude oil sharply higher — and agriculture is feeling the ripple effects. With the Strait of Hormuz handling 20% of global oil and 35% of fertilizer trade, disruptions could tighten fuel and input supplies at a critical time. Fertilizer prices are climbing, fuel quotes are jumping, and logistics delays are mounting. As planting season approaches, the real question isn’t just price — it’s availability. Here’s what farmers should be watching next.

Markets change. Weather shifts. Input costs rise.
But one number matters more than any headline: your cost of production.
When you know your true breakeven, marketing becomes strategic—not emotional.
COP turns guesswork into confidence.
And confidence is where profitability begins.

A new pilot program called CLIP is changing how producers approach Revenue Protection crop insurance.
Instead of paying triple the premium to reach 85% RP coverage, CLIP offers an umbrella-style alternative—often at one-third the cost.
With new subsidy changes impacting SCO and ECO plans, farm-level analysis matters more than ever.
Does your farm actually track with the county?
CLIP may be the smarter way to protect higher revenue without overspending on premium.

Crop insurance rules changed in a big way this season—and so should your strategy. Higher subsidies, expanded county coverage, and new private offsets have reshaped the economics of risk management. What worked last year may no longer be optimal. Here’s why it pays to take another look.

PNW grain markets are transitioning as strong early demand gives way to softer bids and easing freight constraints. Corn basis strength has faded as exporters cover nearby needs, while soybean basis remains steady but lacks fresh demand. With freight rates falling and large on-farm stocks looming, basis support may remain limited heading into summer.

Interest rates are now a top-line factor in grain marketing decisions. From storage and hedging to cash flow and selling timing, producers must rethink strategies to protect margins. In 2026, holding grain too long or delaying decisions can quietly erode profits. Learn how to adjust your marketing approach for today’s high-rate reality.

With new safety nets and boosted support, 2025 ARC/PLC payments are shaping up to be more producer-friendly than ever. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, updated payment rules offer higher guarantees and greater flexibility. Here’s what to expect—and how to plan for 2026 decisions.

Corn prices sank as USDA shocked the market with increased harvested acreage and higher yields in the January WASDE report — pushing production up 269 million bushels. Global carryout rose sharply, driven by China's self-reported record stocks. What does this mean heading into 2026?

Are your current decisions building the farm—and the life—you want?
This week’s series delivered four powerful mindset shifts drawn from impactful books, each designed to help you lead with clarity and grow with intention in 2026. From goal-setting to teamwork to succession planning, these lessons aren’t theory—they’re your next step toward strategic, sustainable growth.

Farmers are wired for independence—but doing everything yourself comes at a cost.Who Not How challenges the belief that you must figure everything out alone.By shifting from “How do I do this?” to “Who can help?”, farmers can reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and unlock sustainable growth. This mindset isn’t about losing control—it’s about building capacity where it matters most.

Farming is a long game—full of sacrifice and legacy. But what if, in building the future, you miss the life right in front of you? Die With Zero by Bill Perkins challenges farmers to rethink success—not as dying with the most assets, but as living with the most intention. Time, health, and wealth are tools to build memories, not just equity. Here's how to invest in both the farm and the moments that matter most.

Is farm feedback hard to navigate—especially with family or trusted employees? The One Minute Manager offers a simple, proven framework for leadership that builds trust, sets clear goals, and reinforces good work—all in under 100 pages.

Ever feel like setting goals on the farm is pointless? Measure What Matters by John Doerr says otherwise. In this book, you’ll discover how OKRs—Objectives and Key Results—can bring clarity, alignment, and measurable progress to your operation. Whether you run solo or manage a full team, written goals with clear outcomes can change the way you farm. Let’s dive into how.

Grain marketing is more about mindset than market noise. In this post, we explore how understanding your own psychology — and applying disciplined strategies — can turn emotional decisions into profitable outcomes. From checklists to hedging tools, this guide bridges behavior and strategy for smarter marketing.

The Jan–Feb grain market is being squeezed by freight costs, even as soybean demand from China heats up. Corn basis remains stagnant, and shipping congestion is near harvest-season intensity. Marketers should expect limited basis growth—unless freight loosens. Temporary windows may offer short-term gains. Read on for a freight-focused game plan.

The January USDA report could be a game-changer for soybean markets. With tight carryout projections and key revisions to acres, yield, and crush demand on the table, even minor adjustments could shift the balance. Here's why traders are bracing for impact.