http://www.agweb.com/blogs/ Dairy trading experts offer strategies and practical perspectives to optimize market performance. AgWeb.comhttp://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/How_Should_You_Approach_Marketing_19872/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 01 Mar 2010 18:47:30 GMT19872http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/The_Ideal_Hedging_Tool_for_Dairy_Producers_19992/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 07 May 2010 19:48:36 GMT19992http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Marketing_Decisions_Can_be_More_or_Less_Fun_20598/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 23 Apr 2010 17:04:41 GMT20598http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Popular_Tactic_Offset_Premiums_While_Establishing_a_Milk_Price_20664/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 02 Jul 2010 13:26:15 GMT20664http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Protect_Your_Input_Prices_20776/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 07 Jun 2010 12:21:33 GMT20776http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Does_Your_Marketing_Have_Horsepower_20816/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 22 May 2010 16:16:02 GMT20816http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/You’re_Not_Alone_Marketing_Is_Uncomfortable_for_Many_20904/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketTue, 30 Mar 2010 17:50:06 GMT20904http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/The_New_Attitude_Toward_Risk_Management_It’s_Not_Gambling_But_a_Sound_Business_Practice_21064/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 15 Mar 2010 12:31:09 GMT21064http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/The_Fixed-Price_Contract_Can_Foretell_Your_Milk_Price_21213/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 12 Apr 2010 13:22:57 GMT21213http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Milk_Marketing_Is_for_Everyone_21310/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 18 Jun 2010 20:05:28 GMT21310http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Risk_Management_Is_Also_About_Opportunity_Management__21549/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 19 Jul 2010 16:55:35 GMT21549http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/Hedge_Lines_for_Futures_Financing_A_Smart_Move_for_Banks_Dairies_21656/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketThu, 29 Jul 2010 21:27:00 GMT21656http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_in_the_world_will_affect_dairy_input_prices/Whether you are talking about grain or milk markets, unpredictable situations -- like Russia’s drought and wildfires -- can bring dramatic change to your profitability. Prepare with a well-planned strategy and contingency plans.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 16 Aug 2010 11:58:00 GMT21731http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/competitive_pricing_it’s_what_works_for_you,_not_your_neighbor/Focusing solely on getting the best price for milk will cause you to miss out on profitable hedging possibilities.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 27 Aug 2010 16:13:00 GMT21818http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/“why_did_i_do_that”_and_other_natural_emotions_in_milk_marketing/When the markets get aggressively moving one way or the other, don’t let emotion prevent you from remembering your short-term and long-term goals.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 13 Sep 2010 11:53:00 GMT21924http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/higher_milk_prices,_lower_hedge_level_spare_yourself_the_second-guessing__/Milk prices are climbing and, if you hedged your milk at lower prices, it’s easy to feel frustrated that you sold it too cheap. But it’s important to remember why you made the decision to hedge your milk when you did.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 27 Sep 2010 09:25:00 GMT22025http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/capturing_milk_prices_into_2011_where_should_your_focus_be/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 11 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT22140http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/developing_a_relationship_with_your_broker/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 25 Oct 2010 18:01:00 GMT22252http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_votes_are_in_milk_market_activity_spikes_with_price_pressure/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 08 Nov 2010 13:00:00 GMT22343http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/don’t_let_regional_milk_price_differences_keep_you_from_hedging/There may be reasons that keep you away from using futures and options to manage your risk, but don’t let factors such as basis be one of them. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 22 Nov 2010 13:41:00 GMT22462http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/prepare_and_be_more_in_control,_less_vulnerable/Explore strategies that add flexibility while still removing price risk. If you do nothing, all you can do is watch and hope. If you prepare, you can retain some control over your milk and feed pricing.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 06 Dec 2010 13:20:00 GMT22542http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/strategies_for_tackling_the_costs_of_options_/Dairy producers like the idea of having an insurance policy through puts and calls, but they don’t like the price tag. There are ways to combat this cost.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 20 Dec 2010 12:11:00 GMT22640http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/“expect_volatility”_what_does_that_mean/As vague as “volatility” warnings may be, you can use history as a guide to plan and prepare for 2011 with at least two price-movement scenarios.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:04:00 GMT22746http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/education_the_bridge_between_milk_marketing_tools_and_applied_marketing/A common question is, “Why didn’t dairy producers use the milk marketing tools that were available to them to manage their milk price risk?” The answer is easy. They have not had commodity market education. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 10 Jan 2011 11:27:00 GMT22793http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/higher_milk_prices_ahead,_but_hedging_discipline_needed/I have very rarely shared my opinion in this column over where I think the market is going to go. I have done so intentionally, as I wanted readers to focus on the mechanics of how futures and options work. In this last column, I will break from that tradition. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 17 Jan 2011 11:04:00 GMT22859http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/a_risk_management_opportunity_livestock_gross_margin_for_dairy/Learn how this dairy insurance policy can manage the risk of falling milk prices and rising feed costs.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMT22900http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/use_dairy’s_rally_to_get_started_marketing_in_2011/If January’s volatility has shaken your confidence, you don’t have to spend the entire year feeling that way. Take steps to seize some control and build your best possible weighted average price for 2011.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 31 Jan 2011 12:10:00 GMT22964http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy_margin_management_a_focus_on_profit_rather_than_price/Producers who embrace a structured margin management approach will be well prepared for the heightened volatility, increased competition and uncertainty on the horizon.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 GMT23003http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/why_i_fear_dairy’s_bull_market/My concern is that dairy producers across the country will see these higher milk prices and get comfortable, nervous or even greedy.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 14 Feb 2011 10:36:00 GMT23082http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/lgm_for_dairy_–_how_do_you_calculate_the_cost_of_the_premium/Here are online links and instructions to help you estimate your premium quote for this risk management plan. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 18 Feb 2011 12:03:00 GMT23124http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/are_milk,_feed_prices_for_real_/While the current rally may stick around for a while, do what you must to prepare for its departure.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 28 Feb 2011 11:03:00 GMT23187http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_we_do_--_and_don’t_--_know_about_commodity_markets/If we recognize that we can’t beat the market, then we’re well on our way to developing a hedging program that seeks to smooth out the bumps in the road rather than pick every top and bottom in the market.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 07 Mar 2011 13:58:00 GMT23241http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/knowing_when_to_contract_your_milk_price/Dairy producers often hesitate to contract because they're afraid they'll miss out on potentially higher prices. But you can maintain your business in any price cycle if you consistently contract a price that satisfies your farm's needs.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 14 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMT23288http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/number_of_dairy_producers_using_lgm_for_dairy_advances_at_a_rapid_pace/Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy has made a big surge forward in the last three months, with about 1.8% of the milk in the country covered under the risk management program. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:02:00 GMT23333http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/when_to_hedge_2012_milk_and_avoid_the_“three-year_cycle”/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:36:00 GMT23394http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_right_tool_at_the_right_time_/Here’s how to select the best available tool for a given market circumstance.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 04 Apr 2011 10:09:00 GMT23432http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/manage_the_margin_rather_than_just_the_milk_price/By analyzing your dairy’s financials, and creating a risk management strategy that protects your profit margin, you can reduce your farm’s exposure to price volatility.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 11 Apr 2011 11:48:00 GMT23475http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/opportunity_may_knock_soon_to_protect_second-half_milk/While there has been much discussion about milk price volatility and milk pricing policy, there are some relatively simple things you can do to take control of your pricing and protect what you've worked so hard to earn.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 17 Apr 2011 23:35:00 GMT23518http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what’s_happening_with_lgm_for_dairy_/Although the insurance program has ended for the 2011 crop year, continue to learn and develop strategies for your dairy to use when it becomes available again later this year.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 25 Apr 2011 12:20:00 GMT23560http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/creating_a_risk_management_plan_/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 02 May 2011 12:25:00 GMT23630http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/life_without_lgm/Although USDA’s Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Insurance program is on hiatus until later this year, other alternatives can protect the margin between your milk price and feed costs.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 09 May 2011 05:49:00 GMT23667http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/are_bullish_milk_fundamentals_enough_to_hold_prices/In today’s global economy, everything from China’s currency valuation policy to the price of crude oil impacts the dairy sector and your milk price. How much can milk prices withstand bearish pressure from “outside markets”? Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 14 May 2011 12:49:00 GMT23718http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/lgm_for_dairy_how_to_assess_the_“percentile_ranking”_of_this_month’s_“margin_estimate”_/A decision-making tool can help you visualize how the current month’s Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy ranks in relation to previous margin time frames.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 23 May 2011 10:40:00 GMT23788http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/hedging_tools_to_manage_dairy_margin_and_milk_basis_risks_are_available_/Understanding hedging tools and variables – from the Midwest to California – can help influence your basis risk, or the difference between cash and futures prices.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 27 May 2011 11:37:00 GMT23831http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/can_your_hedge_strategy_weather_the_volatility_storm/Create a risk management plan that will work in any price cycle.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 06 Jun 2011 04:20:00 GMT23882http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/control_the_emotions_and_impulsive_decisions_that_milk_market_volatility_can_produce/In a roller coaster market, producers often feel they should do something, like jumping in or out of positions. This can lead to all kinds of impulsive decisions--and often poor results. So when do you step in, and when do you ride it out?Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 13 Jun 2011 11:48:00 GMT23938http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/study_the_history_of_lgm_for_dairy_to_help_identify_future_opportunity_and_value/You can predict the future, but the market will do what it will do anyway. With LGM for Dairy, you can defend and protect your margin when you have an opportunity.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 17 Jun 2011 16:54:00 GMT23976http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/hedging_your_dairy_feed_rations_/Cross-hedging offers a way to control prices in a complex ration by coupling corn and soybean meal futures and options hedges with cash forward contracts.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 27 Jun 2011 11:18:00 GMT24034http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/using_put_options_to_protect_your_milk_price/Put options offer producers price protection without limiting your upside potential, and producers don’t have to worry about funding margin calls.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 04 Jul 2011 06:38:00 GMT24075http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/marketing_needs_your_time_today/Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 11 Jul 2011 10:28:00 GMT24136http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/zooming_in_on_lgm_for_dairy_history_with_detailed_graphs/Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy expert Marv Carlson explains a risk management educational tool that helps dairy producers further understand seasonal and other historical price trends. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 25 Jul 2011 10:46:00 GMT24237http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/case_in_point_historical_example_of_dairy_price_hedging_with_put_options/Here’s a real example of a trade strategy utilizing put options that returned an average $0.20 per cwt. to the dairy producer over 40 consecutive months.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 01 Aug 2011 06:03:00 GMT24278http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/milk_futures_will_remain_on_edge,_along_with_nerves/With cash markets and milk futures surging, the best way to navigate extreme prices is to stay consistent, remembering and sticking to your market goals.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 08 Aug 2011 12:47:00 GMT24334http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/executing_a_dairy_margin_management_plan_/Successful dairy margin managers should focus on these points to help drive consistency in executing their margin management program.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 15 Aug 2011 11:54:00 GMT24399http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/do_you_have_a_market_plan_in_place/High-cost feed purchases and uncertain milk prices add to the risk of 2012. A few moments of planning now will help with the cash flow and overall profitability of your operation.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 22 Aug 2011 11:10:00 GMT24449http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what’s_in_store_for_2012_prices__a_more_experienced_milk_market/After the last high-price cycle, many dairy producers learned to expect the very worst. Now the milk market has taken the lessons of the previous cycle and is trying to avoid the same costly mistakes. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 29 Aug 2011 11:08:00 GMT24486http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/look_beyond_this_summer’s_strong_milk_prices_to_plan_and_protect/It’s time to think about using some of the current income from higher milk prices to establish your risk management strategy for future months.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 02 Sep 2011 05:39:00 GMT24517http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/harness_dairy_market_volatility/Make it work for you.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 10 Sep 2011 13:31:00 GMT24565http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/will_marketing_make_a_difference_on_my_bottom_line__/There is no greater point of risk to the operation than when prices reach cyclical highs. Instead of limiting marketing activity, focus should be on maximizing the protection for the next lower cycle.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 19 Sep 2011 06:09:00 GMT24606http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/five_thoughts_for_the_future/Key agricultural crops, by-products and economic indicators that are influencing your business.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 26 Sep 2011 04:23:00 GMT24671http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/a_great_time_to_protect_the_milk-feed_margin/To protect the risks that threaten the profitability and sustainability of a dairy, look at milk and feed prices in relation to each other.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 02 Oct 2011 18:10:00 GMT24721http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_hidden_value_in_hedging_/Option premium costs and end-of-year hedge profit-and-loss statements don’t tell the whole story of hedging costs and benefits.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:52:00 GMT24819http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/good,_bad_or_ugly_exploring_dairy’s_price_scenarios_for_2012/We’ve developed an opinion about next year’s prices. However, we’re not as focused on where prices are going as we are on getting you prepared for whatever prices do.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 15 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT24869http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/volatility_managing_your_way_through_the_ups_and_downs/Look at a business plan that can reduce your operation’s bottom-side risk. Some forward contracting and other option-type strategies like purchasing CME options or a LGM-Dairy policy can take away some of your volatility.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:52:00 GMT24940http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/make_market_volatility_work_for_you/Although market volatility can be stressful, financial planning, proactive trading and patience can help ensure a proper risk management strategy is executed for the financial health of your dairy business. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 31 Oct 2011 11:17:00 GMT24995http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/basic_concepts_to_consider_when_contracting_milk_/To be a successful milk marketer, a dairy is well served to embrace several time-tested principles of managing milk prices.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 07 Nov 2011 05:02:00 GMT25063http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/‘elite_producers’_are_challenged_by_marketing_too/Even “elite” producers are challenged by today’s markets. Here are the most common comments and questions I heard from producers at Dairy Today’s Elite Producer Business Conference.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 14 Nov 2011 04:52:00 GMT25141http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/risk_management_in_the_aftermath_of_a_computer_crash/Following the debacle of Oct. 28, USDA’s RMA allocated additional subsidy money, so that $7 million was available for the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy program. This time, $7 million lasted for 51 minutes. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 21 Nov 2011 05:11:00 GMT25201http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy_margin_accounts_101/A look at the basics of maintaining a margin account for hedging milk and feed prices on an exchange.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 28 Nov 2011 11:06:00 GMT25260http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy_market_2011_year_in_review_/2011 was a good, not great, year. Cycles, seasonal patterns and fundamentals have played out according to principle and rule, without surprise. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 05 Dec 2011 04:51:00 GMT25307http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/class_iii_futures_are_for_more_than_just_class_iii_milk/There are Class III hedging opportunities for all producers, regardless of location and utilization.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 09 Dec 2011 15:06:00 GMT25386http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/how_to_make_a_risk_management_decision_as_a_team/Here are a few simple steps to help make the process a little easier for everyone.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 19 Dec 2011 04:00:00 GMT25453http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/evaluate_the_past,_ask_the_right_questions_and_plan_for_2012/A look at Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy, ethanol’s influence and feed costs to help you prepare for the coming year.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 26 Dec 2011 04:02:00 GMT25514http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_every_market_adviser_wants_clients_to_understand/I have a great opportunity to return to our family dairy farm. I intend to seek much advice for my new career. In turn, I’d like to leave you with some straightforward advice about marketing.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 02 Jan 2012 04:15:00 GMT25554http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_best_broad-based_milk_marketing_strategy_/Yes, there is one, Babler says. It involves studying USDA’s announced price for milk over a long continuum and using option-based minimum price strategies.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 09 Jan 2012 04:21:00 GMT25640http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what’s_the_biggest_mistake_first-time_hedgers_make/Frustration might set in when you miss out on higher milk prices. Don’t forget why you were hedging in the first place. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 13 Jan 2012 15:57:00 GMT25732http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/feed_insights_for_dairies_for_2012/A closer look for dairy producers at the role of DDGs, corn, wheat and weather in the coming year.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:28:00 GMT25814http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_antidote_for_uncertainty/Although dairy’s fundamentals point to volatility and uncertainty in 2012, don’t procrastinate in your marketing program. Focus instead on consistency to build your best average price.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 30 Jan 2012 10:34:00 GMT25881http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/calculate_the_cost_of_futures_and_options/How much capital is required by a dairy when using futures and options strategies to manage its milk price?Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 06 Feb 2012 05:14:00 GMT25942http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/is_it_too_late_to_hedge_milk_prices/Put options, feed price management -- there are strategies producers can employ today to protect their price from moving even lower. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 13 Feb 2012 04:50:00 GMT26028http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/strategies_for_information_overload/Bombarded with the daily flow of news and information? Keep your eyes on margin management and use available tools. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:15:00 GMT26085http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/to_act_or_not_to_act_its_your_question_to_answer/Sideways markets tend to keep many producers on the sidelines when it comes to risk and opportunity management. That’s not going to protect your equity. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 26 Feb 2012 14:45:00 GMT26166http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/using_options_to_manage_dairy_financial_opportunity/Options are a remedy for greed and fear. They are available and do work, but they have a premium cost and limitations. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 05 Mar 2012 04:29:00 GMT26240http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/how_to_survive_market_volatility/If current market volatility has you feeling like you should invest in antacids rather than dairy cows, take control of your milk price and start hedging.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:58:00 GMT26307http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/strategies_that_make_sense/Sometimes it makes sense to use forward contracts or futures, like buying put options and selling calls on milk.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 19 Mar 2012 04:39:00 GMT26369http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/march_madness_sends_ripples_through_the_milk_market/Extreme price swings this month kept us all on the edge of our seats. Producers should be filling out their “brackets” – weighing the impact of various strategies on their average feed and milk prices for 2012.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 26 Mar 2012 12:20:00 GMT26460http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/how_far_into_the_future_should_you_hedge_your_milk_price/It all depends on one other major component of your dairy operation.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 09 Apr 2012 11:41:00 GMT26582http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/livestock_gross_margin_dairy_policies_are_now_in_the_money/For policies purchased on Nov. 18, 2011, the first three months of a potential policy--January, February and March--are indicating an indemnity payment.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 16 Apr 2012 04:29:00 GMT26648http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/milk_market_fundamentals_and_technicals_your_map_and_compass_for_the_marketing_frontier/Using them together is a crucial start on the journey toward disciplined and consistent marketing. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 23 Apr 2012 10:38:00 GMT26729http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/market_cycles_and_class_iii_price_patterns_a_closer_look_/The Class III milk market reveals a pronounced, three-year-cycle low pattern, which has become an accepted pattern of milk price behavior. Here's a closer look at how price patterns have unfolded since 1996.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 30 Apr 2012 11:14:00 GMT26802http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/tips_for_hedging_without_a_large_upfront_investment_/Three strategies to reduce your margin account funding requirements -- or even eliminate them all together.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 07 May 2012 04:45:00 GMT26861http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/lgm-dairy_potential_payout_for_all_10_months_/Calculating where the dairy insurance program will settle for participants.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 11 May 2012 15:31:00 GMT26955http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/april_showers_bring_may_flowers_for_the_milk_market/Can the recent rally be sustained given the underlying fundamental picture? Are you protected if prices head south again?Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 19 May 2012 14:26:00 GMT27022http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/is_now_the_time_to_hedge/3 steps to help you decide.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 04 Jun 2012 11:08:00 GMT27164http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/health_of_the_industry_in_a_chart_/One way of looking at Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy (LGM-Dairy)—a margin calculation that uses milk prices minus average feed volume/costs. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 08 Jun 2012 19:07:00 GMT27211http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_return_of_1700_milk_here_today,_gone_tomorrow/Consider the underlying fundamentals behind the recent run-up, as well as marketing strategies to reward the rally.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 15 Jun 2012 10:49:00 GMT27259http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy_producers_as_commodity_processors/With dairies' feed expenses reaching 70% of milk's cost structure, learn how other industries have long dealt with these input dynamics.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 24 Jun 2012 14:29:00 GMT27329http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/why_it’s_important_to_hedge_your_milk-feed_margin/Milk prices are improving, but, in reality, the milk-feed margin is shrinking. Protect your profit margins now.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 02 Jul 2012 12:18:00 GMT27396http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy’s_six-legged_milking_stool_/A look at the additional factors that influence feed prices today. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 06 Jul 2012 15:31:00 GMT27436http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/preparation_pays_off/A lesson in preparing dairy producers for what might happen later this year.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketThu, 12 Jul 2012 19:18:00 GMT27485http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dissecting_the_current_milk_market_rally_/As temperatures and prices soar, discussions of dairy herd liquidations grow.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 23 Jul 2012 18:53:00 GMT27548http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/risk_management_it’s_more_than_just_milk/Producers’ concerns for the future are often eased by examining and hedging the margin between the milk price and feed prices rather than just one side of the equation.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 27 Jul 2012 17:36:00 GMT27581http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_ripple_effects_of_the_shrinking_us_corn_crop_/A closer look at the global dynamics of drought-driven corn and soybean prices, the ethanol industry and the concept of rationing supplies to meet demand.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 06 Aug 2012 12:43:00 GMT27636http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/price_milk_incrementally_now_to_avoid_regret/When milk prices eventually do descend, you don’t want to be among those who are scrambling to take a position.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 10 Aug 2012 16:45:00 GMT27682http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_is_happening_with_dairy_cow_numbers/The latest data seem to indicate a change of thinking among Midwest and California dairy producers.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 17 Aug 2012 17:22:00 GMT27737http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/strike_while_the_iron_is_hot/Rare opportunities for producers to protect milk prices at historically high prices mean it’s time to take a serious look at risk management strategies for the rest of 2012 and 2013. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 25 Aug 2012 16:05:00 GMT27805http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_spread_widens_between_milk_prices_and_feed_costs_/Although projected price indexes are fairly stable over the next year, the spread between milk and feed prices may further tighten margins for producers.​Dairy Today: Know Your MarketThu, 30 Aug 2012 18:16:00 GMT27851http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/actively_manage_your_market_positions_into_2013/History has shown that when feed prices are highest and the feed outlook is most uncertain, we also see some of the best selling opportunities in the milk market. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 07 Sep 2012 16:52:00 GMT27936http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/is_now_the_time_for_a_three-way_collar/This option hedging strategy is preferred when Class III milk futures are in the upper portion of their historical range. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 17 Sep 2012 10:40:00 GMT28003http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/livestock_gross_margin_for_dairy_pros_and_cons/While this insurance program benefits producers because it helps protect against both milk and feed price volatility, its availability and inflexibility can be problems.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 24 Sep 2012 12:01:00 GMT28060http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/know_your_cost_of_production_before_you_make_marketing_decisions/This important measurement can create a base selling price for your risk management practices.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketThu, 27 Sep 2012 17:41:00 GMT28107http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/time_to_get_“fanatically_disciplined”/In marketing, there is always a temptation to overreact, follow the herd or give in to emotions. It takes fanatically disciplined leadership to stick to goals and not pull back because you – or someone else -- second-guessed your decision.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 08 Oct 2012 12:01:00 GMT28205http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/know_the_opportunity_offered_by_300-plus_run-up_in_your_milk_price_average/After a good price run for fundamentals, indicators are now showing trend momentum and strength is fading.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 13 Oct 2012 13:27:00 GMT28257http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/consider_these_dairy_marketing_strategies_to_manage_risk_/Given higher milk prices and potential volatile feed costs, think about putting some kind of floor under your cash flow.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 22 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT28318http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/4_initial_steps_to_risk_management/Whether you're beginning -- or revamping -- your strategy, winter is a good time to make sure you’re making the best decisions for your dairy.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 26 Oct 2012 15:57:00 GMT28371http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/dairy_producers_can_benefit_from_“productive_paranoia”/Research shows that business leaders who consistently ask, “What if?” – and then act with productive steps – are bound to succeed. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 03 Nov 2012 11:10:00 GMT28437http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/have_to_buy_feed/With fundamentals providing dairies with compelling reasons to be active feed buyers, here are strategy recommendations.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 10 Nov 2012 11:48:00 GMT28525http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/tried_and_failed_at_hedging_reconsider_your_approach/If you’ve tried hedging in the past and haven’t had the best experience, think again. You may be surprised by all the options that are available. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 19 Nov 2012 10:54:00 GMT28624http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/lgm-dairy_now_two_thirds_of_cme_futures_volume_/A closer look at the risk management insurance program as the Nov. 30 sales period approaches.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 24 Nov 2012 18:34:00 GMT28669http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_is_the_real_price_of_playing_the_odds/Getting caught up in “lottery ticket” emotion is what causes many dairies to leave so much at risk.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:00 GMT28733http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/use_a_seasonal_approach_to_buying_feed_protein/Consider buying soybean meal now for winter and looking to buy summer meal in the February/March 2013 periods.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSat, 08 Dec 2012 13:01:00 GMT28799http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/capture_the_upside_or_protect_your_profit_/Although no one likes to miss out on the market's upward movements, a strategy that protects the price from falling often means missing out on some of the market's upside.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 17 Dec 2012 10:02:00 GMT28884http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/long_and_short_new_years_resolutions/In this new year, it's time to create your own personal resolution list called the “Managers List."Dairy Today: Know Your MarketTue, 01 Jan 2013 01:33:00 GMT28968http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/who_is_in_control_here/Advice for dairies looking to actively manage input and milk prices.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 04 Jan 2013 17:55:00 GMT29022http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/more_strength_ahead_for_the_dairy_market_/Underpinnings to dairy prices are still bullish in 2013.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 14 Jan 2013 10:36:00 GMT29098http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/us_dairy_exports_influence_domestic_marketing_dynamics_/Understand the risks in the global dairy market when making risk management decisions at home. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 18 Jan 2013 16:19:00 GMT29156http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/calculating_your_strategy_for_higher_milk-price_opportunity/Worried you might miss out on some of the market’s upside potential? Here are tips to consider.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 25 Jan 2013 11:06:00 GMT29205http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/lgm-dairy_101_what_you_need_to_know_about_this_risk_management_program/An LGM-Dairy expert explains the basics, including why you would -- and wouldn't -- want to use the program.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 01 Feb 2013 12:48:00 GMT29264http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/managing_both_sides_of_the_coin_risk_vs_opportunity_/Guidelines on how to approach marketing decisions for milk and feed.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 10 Feb 2013 17:08:00 GMT29341http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/what_it_takes_to_“know_your_market”/Dairy producers have been so innovative and so good at lowering your costs of production. Now you must arm yourselves with knowledge about the opportunities beyond production.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 15 Feb 2013 11:30:00 GMT29400http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/market_timing_how_do_you_know_when_to_act/Get ready: Spring and summer tend to see the biggest commodity price moves. Here's how to determine when a sizeable price movement may occur.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 24 Feb 2013 10:48:00 GMT29468http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/money_flow_and_the_dairy_futures_market/Why it’s important to be aware of the presence of outside money in the commodity markets.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 01 Mar 2013 19:42:00 GMT29528http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/if_youre_hedging_the_margin,_dont_try_to_guess_the_market/No one knows what the market will do, so it’s important to hedge at a price that's good for your business.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:29:00 GMT29605http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/evaluate_your_dairy’s_marketing_plan/Before spring planting begins, make sure your dairy’s marketing goals are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 17 Mar 2013 17:45:00 GMT29650http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/fantastic_forward_margin_opportunities_lie_ahead_for_dairy__/Right now, projections are very favorable for strong profitability later in the year.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 22 Mar 2013 18:04:00 GMT29710http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/key_question_for_dairy_will_the_dollar_continue_its_bullish_trend/The implications of what the U.S dollar does are very big for dairy producers who buy inputs and sell milk. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 29 Mar 2013 13:22:00 GMT29784http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/the_dairy_market_has_gone_global/The rally that started in the powder markets has quickly spread to encompass the entire dairy complex.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketSun, 07 Apr 2013 21:31:00 GMT29858http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/opportunity_knocks_current_margins_available_for_hedging/Many dairy producers now have an opportunity to protect profits for the rest of the year. Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:27:00 GMT29916http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/seize_the_day_as_dairy_margins_improve/Now is the time to know your costs, have a plan and develop strategies to capture profitability.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 19 Apr 2013 12:44:00 GMT29964http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/then_and_now_put_margins_in_historical_perspective/Negative profitability during the first quarter of a year is not all that unusual. But it is possible to protect what is on the table today.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketFri, 03 May 2013 14:34:00 GMT30074http://www.agweb.com/agday/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/corn_at_4_or_10_plan_ahead_for_both_/This spring's planting delay has created more 2013 uncertainty. Be aware of the possibilities to manage both your feed and your milk prices.Dairy Today: Know Your MarketMon, 13 May 2013 11:13:00 GMT30144