Episode Description
In this episode of The Ag View Pitch, we kick off 2026 with a grain market outlook for January 5–9 and a discussion with guest Jeff Fichtelman. We react to the Farm Bridge payment details, including why corn payments surprised some people relative to soybeans, and what it signals about today’s market environment.
We also talk through practical marketing lessons for 2026, especially the idea that fewer summer weather rallies may mean more opportunity, and more discipline, during the winter. The conversation covers the government’s balancing act between boosting demand (and potentially inflation) versus making bridge style payments, and why the best plan for many farms is keeping marketing simple: pick a price or margin target, execute, and sell in small increments instead of waiting for a perfect rally.
Ahead of the upcoming crop report, we share how to stay balanced, enough sold to cover bills without getting overexposed, and why “decent” prices still deserve action when rallies can be short. We also discuss old crop and new crop positioning, cost control, and risk management tools like crop insurance.
To reach Jeff Fichtelman, visit Interactive Ag and use the “Contact Us” link: interactiveag.com