AGRBM X005 - Basics of Grain Marketing
This self-paced course is designed for agricultural producers seeking to strengthen their grain marketing knowledge and improve profitability. Across 12 practical modules, you’ll explore price-risk management, market trend interpretation, and key marketing tools—including basis, futures, options, and crop insurance. You will also learn how to build effective pre- and post-harvest marketing plans, adapt strategies to changing market conditions, and use trusted resources to guide decision-making. Ohio State University Extension acknowledges the funding support provided by Ohio Corn & Wheat and the Ohio Soybean Council for the development of this course.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced: This course is asynchronous and can be completed at your own pace. Modules include readings, videos, knowledge checks, and practical exercises.
Time to Completion
This course is projected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Course Completion Requirements
Participants must complete all modules and knowledge checks to earn documentation of completion. No university credit or continuing education credit is awarded for this course.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Recommended browsers: Google Chrome or Firefox
- For best results, use a laptop or desktop computer
What You’ll Learn
- Apply supply and demand principles to grain marketing.
- Interpret and use basis contracts in grain marketing.
- Use futures contracts to manage price risk.
- Take a hedge position.
- Select appropriate grain marketing contracts based on market conditions and risk preferences.
- Establish price floors or ceilings using options.
- Apply risk management principles to assess and select crop insurance options.
- Develop an actionable pre-harvest marketing plan that considers cost of production, seasonal trends, and basis patterns.
- Develop an actionable post-harvest marketing plan that considers market carry, seasonal trends, and basis patterns.
- Adapt your grain marketing strategies to up, down, and sideways markets.
- Use available information tools (WASDE, OSU Budgets, Corn Silage Pricing Tool) to support grain marketing decisions.
What You’ll Earn
- A Basics of Grain Marketing certificate of completion from The Ohio State University Extension.
Additional Information
Modules Include:
- Overview of Marketing & Supply/Demand Principles.
- Principles of Basis Contract Overview, Spot Sales, and Forward Contracts.
- Futures in Focus.
- Taking a hedge position.
- Elevator Contracts.
- Introduction to Options.
- Crop Insurance.
- Building a Pre-Harvest Grain Marketing Plan.
- Building a Post-Harvest Grain Marketing Plan.
- Marketing in Up, Down, and Sideways Markets.
- Marketing Information Resources for Ohio Farmers.
Participants will earn a certificate after completing all 12 modules.
Contact Us
For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or course records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.
For questions about course details email Bruce Clevenger.