Maximize Your Grain Marketing Potential with 2026 New Crop Averaging Contracts
Take the guesswork out of grain marketing this spring.
Farmward’s 2026 New Crop Seasonal Average & Floor-to-Average Contracts are designed to help you lock in pricing systematically — without emotional decision-making or trying to time the market perfectly.
Why Consider Seasonal Averaging?
Seasonal trends show that grain markets often provide pricing opportunities before harvest. Historically, spring and early summer markets have outperformed fall harvest pricing averages.
2026 Spring Contract Options
Farmward will offer two seasonal average pools this spring:
17-Week Pool
March 3 – June 23
Spreads pricing across a longer window to reduce volatility risk.
10-Week Pool
April 21 – June 23
Focuses on the historically strong seasonal high with slightly more risk/reward.
Bushels are priced every Tuesday throughout the contract period.
Contract Types Available
Seasonal Average Contract
Sell equal quantities during optimal seasonal windows to capture average futures prices when markets are historically strongest.
Floor-to-Average Contract
Set a guaranteed floor price (established March 3 or April 21) to protect against downside risk — while still participating in upside potential through seasonal averaging.
The Advantages
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Stay disciplined — remove emotional decision-making
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Minimize risk — spread sales across peak market periods
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Historically effective — seasonal averaging has consistently outperformed harvest-only pricing
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Take the pressure off — no need to perfectly time the market
The result?
Consistent execution, reduced risk, and confidence in your marketing plan.
Program Details
- Contracts must be signed by February 27, 2026 or April 17, 2026
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1¢ service fee (HTA fees separate)
Understanding the Strategy Behind the Contracts
Soybeans: Seasonal Strength Before Summer
Historically, soybean futures tend to strengthen from late winter through early summer as weather and production risk are priced into the market. This window has frequently offered opportunities to price ahead of harvest, before late-season volatility increases.
Timing Is Money!
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Beat fall averages by 51¢ per bushel
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Ranked in the top third of pricing opportunities on average
Corn: Spring and Early Summer Opportunity
December corn futures have often shown strength during planting and early growing season months. As crop conditions become more certain later in the year, prices have historically softened, making early marketing strategies valuable.
From 2013–2025, pricing between April 21–June 23:
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Beat fall averages by 41¢ per bushel
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Added over $80 per acre
Using Seasonal Average & Floor-to-Average Contracts
Seasonal Average contracts capture the average futures price over a defined time period, removing the
pressure of timing the market. Floor-to-Average contracts add downside protection while still allowing
participation in seasonal price strength.