Crop diversity, 2026 seeding plans, and real farm margins, that’s what we dive into on Episode 101 of What The Futures with returning guest Nathan Kon. Recorded in Raleigh, NC at the UPL Research Center, Ryan breaks down 2025 learnings, John Deere Operations Center insights, specialty crop performance, fuel-efficiency margin advantages, and how farmers are planning acres heading into 2026.
Nathan shares how his farm approached wheat, canola, malt barley, yellow peas, mustard, lentils, and oats—and what he’s expanding in 2026.
Plus: market rallies you shouldn’t sleep on, cash-flow planning, basis levels, hedging, and the importance of working with the right broker.
⏰ Timestamps
00:00 Intro, UPL studio, Raleigh NC
01:08 Online auction, UPL Battalion, CCAW
02:00 Positive moments, family, travel
03:02 Crop diversity, tight margins 2026
04:10 Canola ranked #1, John Deere Ops Center
05:18 Hidden factors in crop ranking
06:14 2026 seeding plans, no silver bullet
08:00 Post-harvest rally, don’t sleep on markets
09:58 Winter logistics, basis, cash flow
12:40 BrettYoung email list, canola rebate, travel vouchers
13:20 Nathan Kon intro, Roughriders, UPL trip
15:20 2025 results on Nathan’s farm
17:00 Specialty crops: lentils, barley, oats, mustard
19:18 Mustard grading issues, yields, lessons
20:24 Crops to expand, wheat vs specialty margins
21:40 Yellow peas, carryover, price risk
23:00 Speaking at Crop Marketing Made Cool, RBC
24:10 2025 marketing wins: canola, wheat, feed barley
26:00 Wheat basis, export demand, carry
28:10 Futures, options, hedging with broker
31:00 Conference vibe, engaged farmers, Moose Jaw
36:40 Eating Your Veggies: cash flow, 2026 plans
41:00 Online auction last call, salsa, sponsors
43:00 Closing, ticket invite, subscribe