Episodes

The guys discuss worst case scenarios for new crop this year and what commercial grain folks should be doing now to avoid trouble. As always, it’s not rocket surgery, but worth thinking through in a year where space could be more valuable than it’s ever been.

Today, we delve into the policies and contracts that haven’t had a great year (namely rolling basis contracts) and how to improve them in the future. We also get into some of the popular contracts for new crop and which ones you should be tweaking, eliminating, improving, or promoting in the current environment.

No bad tweets, but how about podcast interviews? Ohio grain originator and self proclaimed truck czar Benjamin Nething shares with us his thoughts on the grain biz. From the differences in working for a major vs. a family company, to keeping millennials engaged at the elevator, to the the bane of modern society that is social media, we cover it all. Disclaimer: no bats were harmed in the recording of this episode...probably

In this episode the guys social distance with Scott Hansen, long time WCC employee and fixture of the Iowa school board world. Scott shares with us his take on what is and is not new in the grain business, as well as sharing a few of his stories from the road.

The guys hop on the line with Luke Swenson and Joe Solinger from Bushel to get learnt on how ag tech is being driven in the commercial grain business, all while adhering to proper social distancing guidelines. To learn more about how Bushel is helping the grain industry, please visit them at bushelpowered.com

We are joined once again by our compatriot Jeff Reardon to get a better grasp on what the Payroll Protection Program means for the grain business. Jeff also points out that just like buying and selling grain, when dealing with your lender everything is negotiable until you sign on the dotted line.

What does milo, popcorn, and a good understanding of farm marketing look like? Two words: Adam. Baldwin. Adam Baldwin (@iamyourfarmer) sits down with the guys to discuss the challenges of farm marketing and how he navigates basis and spreads as a farmer. He also discusses the key relationship with the grain elevator in his business and how they can best serve him in this time, including a discussion on elevator apps/websites. We also hear about his popcorn business he has started: Papabaldys.com

The guys delve into farm marketing meetings. Locations, size, content, and message. What makes a great one and what gets results? We share some memorable stories and experiences. The good, the bad, and the ugly...

We sit down to discuss what our first year of the show has been like with our most requested guest ever: Randy. He gives us the stats and pulls back the curtain on how the sausage is made. We also discuss ideas for the future on how to bring you, the listener, more of what you want.

As promised, in this episode the guys revisit the topic of spreads. Get your pencil and paper ready!

Join the guys as they host this episode in front of a live "studio" audience, where they interview attendees of the annual Master Management Conference hosted by White Commercial Corporation ( WCC, our employer and one true sponsor ). What makes the conference great? Why do people come back year after year? Does Randy think that WCC stands for "White Claw Convention"? Find out on this week's episode!

What do frozen sump pump pipes, show pig tanning beds and accumulators have in common? More than you might realize. Join us as we delve into the details of some of the most remembered grain cheats of the 21st century. And you thought 2019's discount schedules were a rip off!

Join the guys as they discuss their recent misadventures on the grain conference circuit.

The guys delve into the latest corn and soybean basis patterns for this unique crop year. It's a discussion on harvest basis values at different spots around the country, how they have differed from previous years, why basis has acted this way this year, and what actions grain merchandisers should be taking right now and in the months to come.

The Godfather, Tony Soprano, government statistic survey workers, that guy behind a trading screen in Chicago; what do these people have in common? Absolutely nothing. That is unless you're a social media tin hatter who believes in the Grain Mafia. Join us as we shed some light on this dark corner of the grain world. TRIGGER WARNING: if you routinely participate in FB GMD proceed with caution!

Listen in on Part 2 of our discussion with Jeff Reardon of White Commercial.

Paying homage to the time honored saying "It takes money to make money", in this first episode of a two part series we delve into the mind of the elevator's lender. Jeff Reardon helps us prove that there's more to your banker than dollar signs in their eyes, and that despite the potential challenges, a successful season depends on a successful financing relationship.

Like sands through the hourglass, the days are drawing nigh for growers to take advantage of no-cost marketing alternatives for their 2019 fall crops. As an elevator, how do you both help farmers make wise decisions on cash flow & costs AND ensure your ability to generate suitable returns to your space? Delve with us to find out these answers and more!

On this episode, we sit down with Cullen Wilson of Dakota Plains Ag Center during the White Commercial Summer Conference. Cullen is lead originator and discusses his philosophy on origination and successful farm marketing as well as a new project he is working on as a resource for farmers in their marketing decisions. https://grainmarketingstack.substack.com/subscribe @cullenjwilson www.dakotaplainsag.com @DakotaPlainsAG

A continuation of the conversation we had previously with Brice Elnicki of Producers Cooperative Association of Girard Kansas.

We sit down with our good friend and creator of the first ever iTunes review of TEC, Brice Elnicki of Producers Cooperative in Girard, KS. In this first of a two part interview, we listen as Brice shares his experiences at grain companies large and small, as well as learn the best practices for unloading railcars of cement. We may or may not have confused "biannual" with "biennial" during the course of the episode, so please, no hate mail.

Many of us in the grain business know that one of the functions of the futures market is price discovery. Lesser known, however, is that price discovery is also a function of the astute grain merchandiser. In this episode we shed some light on how the country elevator can make markets both upstream for the farmer and downstream for the end user, all while getting paid for doing so.

Hedging in the wrong crop year is neither a new idea nor a good idea. In this episode, the guys delve into why this concept is the latest zeitgeist of the grain world, as well as what risks it carries for all parties.

Spreads are notoriously confusing, but no longer! Jason and Roger hash it out and go deep in this discussion on spreads and the like.