Learn New Risk Management Tools and Strategies

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Volatility, unpredictability and uncertainty best explain the current situation in the world grain markets.  The marketplace is experiencing unprecedented swings in prices that translate into higher levels of risk.  With this increased volatility, global grain participants need an effective marketing strategy in place that addresses both price and quality risks.

This course is co-sponsored by the International Grains Program (IGP) in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University.

Highlights

•  Lectures by authorities on futures market theory led by William Wilson, Ph.D., an expert in commodity futures trading and consultant to the international grain and food processing industries.

•  Interaction with U.S. grain merchandisers who have years of practical experience in the international grain business.

•  Interaction with other participants from several countries who bring their experiences and views of the world grain market.

•  Case studies involving real world situations.

•  Panel discussions—dialogue involving participants and experts who give examples of different marketing strategies.

•  Hands-on trading games.

Course Topics

Basis Analysis

•   Spatial, seasonal behavior and arbitrage
•   Impacts of quality on basis
•   Forecasting

Trading Strategies

•   Basis trading and pricing strategies
•   Price spreads and purchasing strategies

Price Risk Management Strategies

•   Advanced hedging strategies
•   Integrating options into procurement decisions
•   Developing, executing & integrating price risk management strategies

Quality Specifications Strategies

•   Strategies to reduce quality variability
•   Impacts of specification strategies on costs
•   Contract specifications: present and future
•   Grain situation and outlook

Logistics Management

•   Discussion models for managing logistics
•   Reducing freight cost and freight risk

Buyer/Seller Relations in Grain Procurement

•   Buyer credibility and supplier relations

Who Should Attend?

This program is intended for individuals who wish to gain a competitive edge in grain marketing decisions.

•  Participants should be actively involved in grain merchandising and be well versed in grain marketing or have a basic understanding of commodity merchandising principles.

•  Course participants must be fluent in the English language.

To Register:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Enroll early. All courses are contingent upon sufficient enrollment numbers. Do not make travel reservations until NCI confirms that course will be offered.

Registration Fee: $1,100.  Payment in full is due before the start of the course. Registration deadline is April 22, 2013. For your course fee, you will also receive materials from lectures and laboratory demonstrations, refreshments during scheduled breaks, and one recognition dinner. Hotel accommodations and other meals are not included in the fee.   Cancellations received after April 22, 2013 will be assessed a 10% service fee.

To pay by credit card or with an electronic check, click here. 

To pay by check or wire transfer, fill out the form and mail with your check to Northern Crops Institute (address below).  Checks must be payable to Northern Crops Institute and drawn on a U.S. bank.  Contact NCI for wire transfer instructions.

Groups of three or more:  Special rates are available to groups of 3 or more from the same company. Contact NCI for more information.

Course Schedule:  On the first day of class, course participants should be in the hotel lobby by 8:30 a.m. for transportation to the campus. Class will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6 and adjourn around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013.

Non-Smoking Environment. Casual Business Attire

Daily Transportation:  Daily complimentary transportation will be provided between NCI and the hotel.

Hotel Information: Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND  58103. Phone: 701-282-2700. Single Room Rate: $93.00 + 10.5% tax/night. Make your reservation directly with the hotel and mention that you are with Northern Crops Institute in order to obtain the special rate. Reservations must be received by the hotel by April 22, 2013 to qualify for the special rate. All hotel rooms are non-smoking.

Information and Special Requirements:  If you have questions or special needs (dietary or physical requirements), please contact Northern Crops Institute.

Mailing Address:
Northern Crops Institute
NDSU Dept. 7400
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050  USA. 

Phone:  701-231-7736    Fax:  701-231-7235. 

E-mail: nci@ndsu.edu   Internet:  www.northern-crops.com

About Northern Crops Institute

Northern Crops Institute is the international center for meeting and learning about crops produced in the four-state region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana.  Situated on the campus of North Dakota State University, NCI exists as a forum to bring together customers, commodity traders, technical experts, processors and producers from all points of the globe for discussion, education, and technical service programs. Since 1983, the Institute has hosted visitors from more than 128 countries.

NDSU is an Equal Opportunity Institution.  This publication will be made available in alternative formats upon request (701-231-7736).