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.

Today's Premier Guidebook for Understanding Agricultural Options and Making Them a Key Part of Your Trading and Risk Management Strategy Agricultural futures and options represent a vital niche in today's options trading world. Trading and Hedging with Agricultural Futures and Options takes an in-depth look at these valuable trading tools, and presents clear, proven strategies and techniques for both hedgers and traders to achieve their goals while minimizing risk. Relying on nuts-and-bolts techniques and examples as opposed to the mathematical models and theory favored by other options-trading manuals this practical, hands-on book discusses many topics, including: How hedgers and traders can use options effectively with realistic expectations Methods to understand price behavior including the "Greeks" (delta, gamma, vega, and theta) The importance of volatility and little-known ways to make it work to your advantage For producers and processors, agricultural futures and options are necessary components for controlling costs and hedging risks. For traders, they are proven vehicles for earning exceptional risk-adjusted profits. Whichever side of the aisle you are on, Trading and Hedging with Agricultural Futures and Options will provide you with the answers you need to effectively use these versatile tools and make them an integral part of your business.