Farmers, Ag Professionals Invited to Beginner and Intermediate Grain Marketing Workshop Jan 6-7

By Paul Martin and Alaina Friesleben

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management Team invites farmers and agriculture professionals to a Grain Marketing Workshop in Ottumwa Jan. 6–7, 2026. The two-day workshop is designed for participants with various experience levels, including those with limited and intermediate skills, as well as seasoned, successful grain marketers.

Paul Martin, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the event is a valuable opportunity for farmers. The primary goal of the workshop is that any farmer, farm family member or employee will learn more about how to create successful grain marketing plans to improve selling price. There is also value in getting away from day-to-day work and hearing from marketing experts.

Before attending the workshop, participants will complete several pre-workshop activities, including calculating their 2026 cost of production and cash flow budget, completing self-assessment exercises, answering questions about risk aversion and watching a short video series from Chad Hart. Another pre-workshop activity is the “Business IQ” survey, which identifies strengths and weaknesses of agricultural producers in managing uncertainty and achieving business success. These activities will be provided upon registration and should be completed before the workshop.

Workshop speakers 

• Gary Schnitkey, professor in agricultural and consumer economics and extension farm management specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will discuss cost of production and marketing goals.
• Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State University, will share a market outlook and teach lessons on options and how to utilize crop insurance in a marketing program.
• Logan Torrance, facility manager at Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., will speak about alternative grain contracts.
• Tim Christensen, Eric Weuve and Martin, farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, will discuss various marketing tools and activities.

Additionally, a panel of industry sponsors will respond to audience concerns and answer questions.