Why prices move.
WHAT DRIVES AGRICULTURAL PRICES
Seasonal supply Weather Import and export flows Storage capacity in the market Currency movement, for traded commodities
WHAT THE SEASONAL PATTERN USUALLY IS
Prices low at harvest, when supply is abundant Prices rising as stocks deplete Prices highest before the next harvest
WHY THAT MATTERS
Selling at harvest is selling at the lowest price of the year.
WHAT STORING PROVIDES
The ability to sell later, at a higher price.
WHAT IT COSTS
Storage facilities Losses during storage Cash tied up Risk that prices do not rise
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Whether the expected price increase exceeds those costs.
WHY MOST SMALL PRODUCERS SELL AT HARVEST
They need the cash.
WHAT THAT COSTS THEM
The seasonal price difference, every year.
WHAT REDUCES THAT PRESSURE
Working capital Enterprises with different timings Arrangements permitting later sale
WHAT TO TRACK
Prices through the year, for your produce.
WHY TRACK
It is the evidence for deciding when to sell.
WHERE TO GET IT
Markets, traders, and published price information.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Holding produce expecting exceptional prices.
WHY
Prices sometimes fall, and produce deteriorates.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Selling in portions across the season.
WHAT THAT ACHIEVES
An average price, and reduced risk.
