STARKVILLE, Miss. (RFD NEWS) — A new calendar year offers producers a natural opportunity to reassess how grain and livestock are marketed, not just how they are produced. Will Maples, assistant professor and economist with Mississippi State University Extension, says effective marketing plans help farms manage risk year-round rather than relying on a single sales decision.
Maples stresses that a marketing plan is not designed to capture the top of the market every year. Prices are shaped by supply, demand, and unexpected shocks, including weather, trade disputes, and geopolitical events. Instead, a sound plan creates discipline, helping producers make consistent decisions aligned with business goals rather than reacting emotionally to price swings.
Those goals should drive the plan. Risk tolerance, cash-flow needs, and time horizon vary widely across operations, so marketing strategies should support the broader business plan. Cost of production is the foundation, as knowing break-even levels allows producers to set realistic price targets that protect margins.
Maples emphasizes proactive marketing. Spreading sales throughout the year, aligning targets with seasonal price strength, and documenting decisions can reduce pressure from forced sales and improve long-term outcomes.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A disciplined, break-even-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
November 04, 2025 10:34 AM
·
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
November 04, 2025 10:20 AM
·
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
November 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.
November 03, 2025 01:13 PM
·
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo discusses how this year’s pricing period played out and what it could mean for farmers heading into the end of the season.
November 03, 2025 12:54 PM
·
Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.
November 03, 2025 10:20 AM
·
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
November 02, 2025 05:06 AM
·
October 31, 2025 01:30 PM
October 31, 2025 01:25 PM
