This unit discusses various outcomes to an options hedging decision.  Which way the market moves, how much time is left, and the valuation changes in the option all prompt different decisions.  

This unit builds on the case for seeking cash marketing opportunities by discussing returns to storage.  Capturing market carry, rolling sales forward, and calculating returns to storage are discussed in detail.   

This unit builds on the hedging framework by introducing hedging with options. Definitions and common terminology, a comparison of different option strategies, and different order placements are included. 

This unit introduces hedging as a concept for managing price risk, by defining it and showing how the math behind it works. Describing when and why it makes sense to hedge, as well as clarifying common terminology are also discussed.

This unit discusses the case for using a marketing plan and how to use it as a decision-making framework. Describing how to develop a marketing plan, what it should include, and how to implement it is also included. Examples of best practices in crop marketing and successful marketing decision making are included.

This unit defines basis, futures spreads, and the factors that influence each. Basis trends over time, normal basis patterns, and separating basis and futures marketing decisions are also discussed.  

Dr. Fred Below reviews five years of research on “The Six Secrets of Soybean Success," a concept for producing high-yield soybeans which he evaluated in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Six Secrets demonstrates how growers can put technologies together for increasing soybean yields through intensive crop management. In addition, Dr. Below will review some of his work on when soybeans need supplemental nitrogen.

Chris Kamienski, Monsanto technology development representative, and Lance Tarochione, CCA and Monsanto technical agronomist, review seed and herbicide product use and stewardship and weed control options in soybeans.

Emerson Nafziger, Ph.D., professor of crop sciences and extension agronomist at the University of Illinois, discusses the 2016 soybean crop

Chad Watts, Sarah Church, Ph.D. and Ursula Mahl, discuss the Indian Creek Watershed Project (ICWP). The ICWP is an innovative approach to voluntary adoption of on-farm conservation systems and serves as a prime example to emulate across other local watersheds.