January is the perfect time to make clear decisions about both your unsold grain and your new crop. Each crop faces different market conditions and should serve different strategic goals within your business.

Selling your crop forward can be a good option when prices are low, but how can you work out whether the carry is enough to cover your extra costs for holding on to your crop?

Prices move all year round, and a broader, 12-month or even 24-month approach to selling can help spread risk and improve your long-term returns.

A good grain marketing plan helps you sell at the right time, for the right price, to meet your business needs. It brings structure to your sales decisions, helping you manage risk and secure long-term profitability.

Arable farmers and City traders might seem worlds apart. Yet both professions tackle the same challenge: managing risk in a volatile world. So what can farmers learn from those who make a living from mastering the markets?

If you’ve ever found yourself taking whatever price your regular merchant offers – just to get the job done – you’re not alone. For most UK arable farmers, getting a fair grain price can feel like more hassle than it’s worth.