In 2007, Mark Davis was told by his bookkeeper that his grain marketing performance far exceeded the average and asked how he produced such results. The answer was constant expense documentation, technical pricing strategies, and following a consistent plan. Realizing that most farmers lack a plan to market cash grain, he developed Crop-Side Marketing in 2009 with his son Clint. The cornerstone of the business was and still is "Treat farming as a business, not just a lifestyle". Our mission is to instill this mindset in farmers, with the goal of farming more profitably.
Culture
To do so, we act like a commodity trading firm. Always watching the markets, gathering information, and investigating where we think price is going next. Its this mentality that sets us apart from brokers that just collect fees from customers, or elevators who may have their own agendas regarding why you should sell your grain. Being this neutral party that relies on the results of our sales recommendations makes us a fair choice. And unlike most marketing services out there, our past several years of historical pricing suggestions can be found on our website. This way you can see the results of our strategy before you sign on. Check our cash marketing page for details.
To do so, we act like a commodity trading firm. Always watching the markets, gathering information, and investigating where we think price is going next. Its this mentality that sets us apart from brokers that just collect fees from customers, or elevators who may have their own agendas regarding why you should sell your grain. Being this neutral party that relies on the results of our sales recommendations makes us a fair choice. And unlike most marketing services out there, our past several years of historical pricing suggestions can be found on our website. This way you can see the results of our strategy before you sign on. Check our cash marketing page for details.
Strategy
On a program specific note, Crop-Side focuses on cost analysis first, then the selling of grain. By knowing the cost of production and break-even prices, farmers can then decide on price. Although, doing so without letting biases or emotions get in the way can be testing, which is where the technical aspects come in. Using a combination of grain fundamentals, fund position tracking, technical analysis, and behavioral science, Crop Side can identify outstanding pricing opportunities.
After establishing price, its time to document sales. This leads into the scenario analysis part of the program that gives the farmer the ability to forecast his profits given his performance so far. For example, If I want to make $250/ acre, based on where I have sold , what average price do I need? Or, If I sold out at current prices, how much would I be making an acre? Our scenario analyzer has the answers.
On a program specific note, Crop-Side focuses on cost analysis first, then the selling of grain. By knowing the cost of production and break-even prices, farmers can then decide on price. Although, doing so without letting biases or emotions get in the way can be testing, which is where the technical aspects come in. Using a combination of grain fundamentals, fund position tracking, technical analysis, and behavioral science, Crop Side can identify outstanding pricing opportunities.
After establishing price, its time to document sales. This leads into the scenario analysis part of the program that gives the farmer the ability to forecast his profits given his performance so far. For example, If I want to make $250/ acre, based on where I have sold , what average price do I need? Or, If I sold out at current prices, how much would I be making an acre? Our scenario analyzer has the answers.
Pricing
If you can find an unbiased grain marketing service, they'll likely have high minimum costs, meager customer communication, and/or require the use of futures and options in their strategy. Not only does our plan cost less than two cents/bu for the average Midwestern farmer, but customers have an open line of communication, free weekly newsletters, and are not required to trade futures or options.
If you can find an unbiased grain marketing service, they'll likely have high minimum costs, meager customer communication, and/or require the use of futures and options in their strategy. Not only does our plan cost less than two cents/bu for the average Midwestern farmer, but customers have an open line of communication, free weekly newsletters, and are not required to trade futures or options.
If you still have questions about specifics of Crop-Side, please don't be afraid to give us a call.