Grain marketing considerations for 2025 and beyond
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EmailThe Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on September 11 will focus on grain marketing updates.
2025 grain markets could be described as tumultuous, perhaps even lackluster, punctuated by a myriad of challenges outside of a producer’s control. Low corn prices, global supply implications, trade volatility, political policy and tariffs, break-even costs, and the timing of selling grain—it’s enough to make your head spin!
With these challenges, it is important that as producers we put our energy towards what we can control to provide focus and clarity in uncertain markets. One thing we can focus on is the question of when to sell our grain. Market prices may change frequently based on supply and demand, which can create uncertainty of when to sell.
In order to navigate this challenge, reviewing market trends can guide our decision-making on how to maximize grain sales. Market history demonstrates that a “typical” trend does not necessarily exist in a given year, so it is important to review what the market is doing and how to position yourselves in the most advantageous way possible heading into the 2025 harvest season.
Join the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, Sept. 11 for a discussion on everything grain marketing with Jon LaPorte, a farm business management educator at Michigan State University Extension. LaPorte will focus his grain marketing discussion on key elements of the market, including the latest news on commodity prices and what to watch for in the markets as we head into harvest. Key contract options to consider, as well as when is the “best time” to sell grain will all be discussed.
Immediately following the presentation, MSU Extension agricultural climatologist Jeff Andresen will present a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. A question-and-answer period will follow. Other MSU Extension specialists and educators will be available for discussion.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions from the MSU Extension field crops team are held every week during the growing season via Zoom. The Virtual Breakfast series keeps attendees informed of in-season updates and issues of concern for field crops. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m., March through September 2025. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the start time to ensure connectivity and receive announcements. The first half of each session includes a timely presentation from a topic expert and the weekly weather forecast. The second half of each session includes time for Q&A’s and updates with MSU specialists and educators.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but note that you will only hear the audio portion.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available most weeks for live attendees.
Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt out at any time.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the following MSU Extension field crops team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.
If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500 .
Follow @MSUEFieldCrops on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X for breaking news.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no 2024-70006-43569] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
