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FarmLink has launched a service for farmers interested in adding hedging with futures and options to their marketing toolbox. The HedgeLink Program will create value for farmers through professional training sessions, coupled with ongoing hedging advice.

 

HedgeLink is a training and strategy support program designed for producers who want to improve and increase their use of financial derivatives in marketing and hedging. Regular dialogue with FarmLink’s Analytical Team, ongoing futures and options trading ideas and support, and a series of training courses create a comfortable environment for clients to incorporate this tool into their marketing plan. The fee for FarmLink clients to subscribe is $2,500 annually.

Deliverables include: THREE TRAINING SESSIONS

All will run for about a half-day, not including meals and networking events. Training materials, presenter fees, and a group meal will be covered by FarmLink. Clients are responsible for travel and accommodation.

 

1. Introduction to Futures and Options Trading

  • Topics include basic futures and options pricing and market structures, margin, arbitrage, hedging mechanics

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  • Located in each province; dates to be set by FarmLink

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  • Courses delivered by FarmLink Analysts

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  • Manual/workbook to be provided following the course, and referrals to online resources for follow-up work

2. Intermediate Options Trading & Experience the Floor

  • Held in Chicago and delivered by a seasoned local CBOT floor trader, this course will cover intermediate trading concepts and run through specific examples/outcomes

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  • Includes a tour of the CBOT floor during trading hours 

3. Advanced Trading Strategies 

  • A hedging expert will be brought into Winnipeg to train clients on more sophisticated strategies.

HedgeLink Updates

  • 20-30 times per year, FarmLink analysts send out ‘HedgeLink Updates’ detailing specific trading ideas. The timing of these will be dictated by market signals and events.

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  • HedgeLink Updates will be formatted for smartphones, briefly explaining the specifics of the trade, context and risk/reward. A summary version will be sent out simultaneously via text.

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  • FarmLink’s Analytical Team will host conference calls as each HedgeLink Update is released, where clients can raise questions and discuss related issues.

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  • Analysts will host conference calls in conjunction with HedgeLink Updates being released, for clients to discuss modifications to the trade, exit strategies, and other related issues.

Course Topics:

Marketing 101

This one day course will teach you to understand the basics of market structure and price discovery for Prairie grains, oilseeds, pulses and special crops. Read more & sign up >>

 

Wheat, Durum and Barley Marketing

What happens on the other side of the CWB curtain...? Read more & sign up >>

 

Learn to Hedge

This introductory-level futures and options training course is offered on its own, or as part of our HedgeLink program. Read more & sign up >>


The format for all three topics is similar: 4-5 hours of course material, lunch and a handout or manual is included. The cost is $500 per farm, maximum 2 attendees per farm.