At Exceed Grain Marketing, we know that a thriving farm business depends on two critical pillars: cashflow management and a deep understanding of your cost of production. These fundamentals are not just accounting exercises—they’re the foundation for a resilient and agile grain marketing plan that puts you in control of your future.
Cashflow: The Lifeblood of Your Farm
Cashflow is the engine that keeps your operation running smoothly. Whether you’re farming in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or beyond, having ready access to cash is essential for making timely decisions and seizing market opportunities. “Cash is king,” as the saying goes, and nowhere is this truer than in agriculture.
At Exceed Grain Marketing, we help producers to map out their cashflow needs throughout the year. By highlighting when your largest expenses will hit and identifying potential marketing windows, we help you avoid being forced into “panic sales” when cash is tight. For example, if the market for barley is signalling a heavy carryout and soft prices, it may make sense to generate cashflow by selling early, freeing you up to wait for stronger prices on crops with better market prospects. This strategic approach—using data, analytics, and cost-of-carry calculations—empowers you to play “moneyball” with your grain, giving you the freedom to market with confidence instead of urgency.
Cost of Production: Your Decision-Making Compass
Equally important is knowing your true cost of production. This information is the backbone of your crop planning process. By accurately estimating yields and input costs, you can quickly identify which crops make sense for your operation and which don’t. For instance, if yellow peas don’t pencil out in your analysis and market trends show weak demand, it’s clear where your focus should be—regardless of what’s working for a friend in another region with different growing conditions.
A well-prepared cost of production document also enables “what if” scenario planning. Leveraging your crop insurance data, you can model different outcomes and pinpoint your breakeven prices and potential returns. Knowing, for example, whether you can break even at $9 or $15 canola can make all the difference in your marketing decisions. It also allows you to benchmark your performance and identify areas to trim costs, ensuring your business remains competitive and profitable.
Cashflow & Cost of Production: Stronger Together
While each of these tools is powerful on its own, their combined strength is what truly sets successful farm businesses apart. Understanding your cashflow prevents forced sales, while knowing your cost of production ensures you sell at profitable levels. Together, they give you the clarity and confidence to make proactive decisions, weather volatility, and optimize returns.
At Exceed Grain Marketing, we work with you to integrate these fundamentals into a practical, actionable marketing plan. By harnessing data and leveraging industry expertise, we help you navigate market complexities and keep your operation on track for long-term success.
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