DD...
#1: Contract to sell xTons of future crop.
Other benefits...
Subsidies, crop insurance, deregulation, and yes, commodity futures.
As for #1, most farmers contract to sell xTons to ensure xProfit and then spec on rest of crop. Price flux causes decision on next year's crop (type of grain) and winter cover crop. Example, winter wheat - take subsidies but then required days in ground (& harvest) and thus, a shorter soy growing period next season.
Farmer saying: 'Never even (rich) until the check is in the bank, not just standing on the steps outside'. Guess one has to be a farmer to understand that saying.
Virginia high school farmer friends (brothers) sued by Monsanto two years ago. They settled @ trial.
r.
chantillylive
