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Executing a disciplined grain marketing plan during early summer weather scares is critical to protecting profitability.

While a rapid planting pace across Iowa, Illinois and Indiana stripped away early-season supply concerns, emerging dry pockets across the Corn Belt and geopolitical events could trigger volatile, short-lived price spikes in the futures market.

Use this tip sheet to clear out old crop inventory, protect new crop margins, and navigate seasonality.

1. Clean Up Old-Crop Inventory

• Empty commercial storage bushels by July 1

• Holding old crop grain ‘in town’ past July 1 rarely pays off due to accumulating fees and shrinking cash premiums.

• Capture local cash premiums

• Delivering on-farm old crop stocks on basis spikes is critical as bins need emptied ahead of the new crop harvest.

2. Defend New-Crop Risk Amid Tight Margins

• Target incremental sales

• Scale-in selling using % targets at specific futures prices. December 2026 Corn near $4.90-5.25 and November 2026 Soybeans around $11.90-12.50.

• Maintain flexibility via various risk management strategies

• Utilize various contracts and tools to manage price risk. Focus on establishing floor prices and maintaining upside opportunity.

3. Navigate June to Harvest Seasonality

• Capitalize on the pre-pollination price peak

• Grain markets historically hit seasonal highs between mid-May and late June as weather fears peak. Odds/probabilities point to lower prices by August and September.

• Uncertainty + Volatility = Opportunity

• Grain marketing is a rollercoaster ride. Highs and lows. Weather scares and headlines. Fear and greed. Thinking in ‘bets’ drives better decision-making despite not having all the facts or knowing the right side of the chart.