The Hedged Edge

In this episode of The Hedged Edge, hosts Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel dive deep into the heart of agricultural markets with special guest Fred Seamon from CME Group. As harvest challenges mount with record-breaking rainfall across the Midwest, the conversation spans centuries of market innovation—from the early days of Chicago's grain trade to cutting-edge futures contracts. Fred shares fascinating insights into the historical development of commodity exchanges, explaining how farmers went from local merchants to global market participants.

The discussion explores critical topics including harvest logistics, railroad transportation, the evolving role of the USDA, and emerging market tools like the new fertilizer futures contract. Listeners will gain a rich understanding of how technological advances and market innovations continue to transform risk management for producers. Whether you're a farmer, trader, or agricultural enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the complex ecosystem of agricultural markets, blending historical perspective with forward-looking analysis.

Packed with expert commentary, practical insights, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intricate world of commodity trading and agricultural economics.

Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/

and KBJM Radio https://kbjm.com/

Watch the Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Dive into the complex world of agricultural markets with Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel as they explore current corn and soybean pricing trends, harvest dynamics, and the global fertilizer landscape. Special guest Jon Berglund from Prairie Land AG provides expert insights into international supply chains, trade challenges, and the factors driving fertilizer prices. Learn about the intricate relationships between global politics, agricultural production, and market strategies that impact farmers today.

Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/

and KBJM Radio https://kbjm.com/

Watch the Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSA

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

In this episode of The Hedged Edge podcast, hosts Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel discuss the current harvest season with guests Lacy Schatz from LJS Insurance Agency and Dwayne Bowman from Dakota Western Bank. They provide insights into harvest conditions across different regions, highlighting challenges like frost and dry weather. Lacey shares updates on crop insurance, including new program benefits for beginning farmers. Dwayne discusses the current interest rate environment and its minimal impact on agricultural operations. The team focuses on marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of forward pricing, storing grain strategically, and having a comprehensive plan to manage market risks. They also address the mental health challenges farmers may face during difficult economic times and encourage producers to seek support and collaborate with their professional team. The episode offers practical advice for farmers navigating the complex agricultural marketplace, with a strong message of proactive planning and teamwork.

Episode links: 

Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/ and KBJM Radio 

https://kbjm.com/Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSA

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Join Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel as they dive deep into the complex world of agricultural markets, consumer spending, and the surprising economics of convenience. In this eye-opening episode, they challenge the narrative of high food prices by exploring the booming delivery service industry and questioning whether consumers are truly feeling the pinch. From DoorDash delivery fees to wheat market strategies, the hosts break down the nuances of agricultural economics with their signature blend of humor and expertise. Learn why "hope is not a strategy" and discover insights into market risk management, harvest expectations, and the evolving landscape of food production and consumption. Whether you're a farmer, agribusiness professional, or simply curious about the economics of food, this episode offers valuable perspectives that will change how you think about pricing, convenience, and market dynamics.

Episode links:

Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/ and KBJM Radio

https://kbjm.com/Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSA

And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm https://twitter.com/ag_rcm, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/2878..., and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RCMAgServices.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

This episode of "The Hedged Edge" explores the critical challenges facing US grain exports, focusing on wheat quality and Mexico's market dynamics. Hosts Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel, joined by David Munoz from Bartlett Grain, discuss the USDA report, global grain trade complexities, and the potential risks of losing Mexico as a key buyer due toinconsistent wheat quality. The episode provides insights into transportation logistics, international competition, and strategies for maintaining competitive grain exports in a challenging global market.

Episode links:

Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/ and KBJM Radio https://kbjm.com/Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSAAnd last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm https://twitter.com/ag_rcm, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/2878..., and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RCMAgServices.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Cattle markets are at multi-decade highs, and producers are facing both incredible opportunities and serious risks. In this first radio edition of The Hedged Edge, hosts Jeff Eizenberg and Ben Hetzel dig into the realities of managing cattle riskwhen prices are running hot.

Joining the conversation are Dwayne Bowman, President of Dakota Western Bank, and Joe McKitrick, a North Dakota rancher, who share their perspectives on:

-Why tight cattle supplies are driving record highs.

-The risks of inflation, feed costs, and consumer“trade-down.”

-How bankers and ranchers view tools like LRP, futures,options, and forward contracts.

-Opportunities in feed, grain, and basis markets acrossthe Northern Plains.

-Why communication and discipline are critical in today’scattle market.

Whether you’re a rancher, banker, or market watcher, this episode will give you a practical look at how to navigate risk — and why now may be the most important time to have a marketing plan in place.

Episode links:Listen on the radio at KNDC Radio https://www.kndcradio.com/ and KBJM Radio https://kbjm.com/Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSAAnd last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm https://twitter.com/ag_rcm, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/2878..., and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RCMAgServices.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

As we start 2023 – the stakes could not be higher for the agriculture sector! The world population is growing rapidly, crossing 8 Billion in November of last year. Due to the historic drought and war, there are lower stocks of the major grain supplies globally.  

Energy and interest rates have accelerated rapidly vs. this time last year, leading to higher input costs and raising the break-even levels for farmers and end users to unprecedented levels…plus there is still a war going on.  

To help give us some insight and answers to what lies ahead, we’re lucky to have two highly respected panelists with us today from both the banking and commodity risk management sides of the business; Rebecca King, Old National’s Agriculture Group, and Jody Lawrence, RCM Ag Services.

Webinar links:

Hedged Edge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfDAB4OJfR7i9N62wUKGSA

And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Ag Services, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there's no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we're joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we're taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

Contact Tim Webb [email protected]

Visit rcmwa.com for more information and be sure to follow them on Twitter and check them out on LinkedIn

And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

With the world population just crossing 8 Billion in November 2022, the details of what it takes to feed the world today and the question of what it will take to feed the world 30 years from now when the population is expected to approach 10 Billion is mind-blowing to many. Today’s guest, Russel Taylor, is an expert on the science behind bringing additional agriculture yield to life through soil health.

Russell Taylor is President of Live Earth Products, Inc., a premium producer of humic shale-derived products. He has spent 20 years mining, extracting, and marketing of humic acid-based products. Areas of experience include; agriculture, turf management, organic fertilizers, animal feed, and soil reclamation. His knowledge has put his company at the forefront of the soil health revolution.

Quick Links from the episode:

For more information visit livearth.com and humictrade.org, follow @livearth on Twitter, and check out their LinkedIn.

Direct questions for Russell: [email protected]

And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The Hedged Edge is back online with a guest who could be this podcast's most important guest of all time. At a time when inflation is running rampant through the world economy, drought conditions are drying up our rivers, and the global supply of grain is scarce. We are tasked with the question, "what the hell is going on in logistics, and is there any relief in sight?"

To help address these questions and more, I am joined today by a man that needs no introduction to most in the physical commodity sector – Woodson Dunavant with the Dunavant Logistics company based in Memphis, TN.

Quick Links from the episode:

For more information visit Dunavant.com, follow @Dunavant_LTL on Twitter, and check out their LinkedIn & Facebook. 

Direct questions for Woodson: [email protected]

And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Hedged Edge on your preferred platform, and follow us on Twitter @ag_rcm, LinkedIn, and Facebook.