Originally published in 1989, this book is a clear and thorough guide to the workings and purpose of the futures markets. It begins by explaining the role of futures and options in agriculture and their uses in reducing risks and maximizing profits. The state of the futures industry in the USA, Europe, Japan and the smaller exchanges elsewhere during the 1980s is examined, the pattern of price movements analysed, and the major background factors which influence price movements discussed. The regulatory environment in the US and UK is analysed, and there is a thorough explanation of fundamental and technical approaches to price forecasting and of strategies to maximize profits from trading. Detailed profiles of the major agricultural commodities traded on futures markets comprise the second part of this comprehensive handbook. The major markets, price movements, and trading opportunities are outlined for each commodity in turn. The book concludes by discussing the contemporary issues facing futures trading, and the role of the markets in the agricultural trade of developing countries.

Agricultural futures and options has been written for the potential and actual users of agricultural futures markets but should also provide a useful introduction to the more academic students of the subject. Divided into three parts, the first examines the North American markets with chapters on Chicago, definitions, hedgers, commodity trading advisors, options, New York and the Winnipeg community. Part 2's study of the European markets looks at soft commodities and the London Fox, the London Grain Futures Market, meat futures, potato futures and soya bean meal futures. Investing and investor protection is the subject of part 3. Guidelines are provided for opening and servicing an account and a further chapter deals with regulation.

Extract: Unstable farm prices can spur farmers' interest in the various forms of forward selling. Forward selling, which involves selling crops or livestock in advance of delivery, enables farmers to reduce the risk that the price they get for their output might not cover the costs of their inputs and to assure outlets for highly specialized or perishable products. Among the various forms of forward selling are cash forward contracts, futures contracts, and commodity options. This report describes different types of forward contracts, the factors a farmer should consider, and the major pitfalls involved.

Options for Farmers takes the complex world of derivatives and distills it into a short and sweet guide that will help agricultural commodity producers and end-users integrate options into their risk management programs.