As volatile grain markets continue to challenge farm incomes, agricultural economist Megan Roberts from Compeer Financial is encouraging farmers to return to the basics of sound financial and marketing management to sustain profitability in soybean production.
Roberts explained that in a time of tight margins, understanding key financial indicators—especially break-even points—is essential. “Knowing what your break-even is, really evaluating the cost of storage and the ability to capture a few extra cents based on good marketing and timing can make a meaningful difference,” she said. She noted that small, well-timed decisions often separate farms that merely survive from those that continue to grow.
She highlighted that basis levels, which indicate local price differences from national benchmarks, have been fluctuating across many regions as the harvest season progresses. “That’s something for farmers who need to sell at harvesttime to really keep an eye on,” she added. “Being able to capture those extra cents where you can can significantly improve your bottom line.”
Roberts also advised producers to think strategically about storage capacity, interest rates, and cash flow when deciding whether to sell or hold grain. She suggested that in certain cases, temporary storage and delayed sales could provide an advantage if market conditions improve later in the season.
Beyond soybeans, Roberts said these principles apply equally to corn marketing, emphasizing the value of disciplined, data-driven decision-making. “Good marketing isn’t about guessing the market—it’s about managing risk and understanding your numbers,” she said.
By combining careful cost management, smart storage decisions, and attentive marketing strategies, Roberts believes farmers can better weather price volatility and maintain long-term profitability in both soybean and corn operations.
