Ag Astra Blog | Tim Barker, Ag Astra CEO

Tim Barker, Ag Astra CEO

Sixth generation farmer, father of five active boys, and husband to his high school sweetheart, Kelli. Licensed Series 3 Commodities Trading Advisor (CTA), member of the Kansas Bar Association and National Futures Association (NFA). I serve as the CEO of Ag Astra, principal, and managing member. As such, I advises on three million plus bushels of grain production each year, and am responsible for all other aspects of Ag Astra's operations, including its trading decisions.

Recent Posts

A picture of a herd of Angus Cattle

Understanding Cattle Trading: The Difference Between Fats and Feeder Cattle and the Cattle Cycle

Cattle trading is a complex and vital part of the agricultural economy, offering opportunities for both producers and investors to maximize profits...

3 Keys to Grain Marketing for Farmers: A Guide to Maximizing Your Profits

Navigating the complexities of grain marketing can be a daunting task for any farmer. With unpredictable market conditions, fluctuating production,...

Navigating Price Volatility in Agricultural Markets

What is a min/ max contract in grain marketing and how can a farmer take advantage of it?

A min/max contract in grain marketing is a risk management tool that establishes a predetermined price range within which the final price for a...

What are benefits of marketing grains using futures?

Marketing grains using futures offers several benefits to farmers, providing them with tools to manage risk, secure pricing, and enhance overall...

Why buy a call when marketing grain?

Farmers may choose to buy a call option when marketing grain for various reasons, primarily to manage price risk and capitalize on potential price...

What are reasons to use a put when marketing grain?

Using a put option when marketing grain can be a strategic move for farmers to manage price risk and protect against potential declines in the...

Ways to protect your downside risk and keep your upside open

Protecting your downside risk while keeping your upside potential open in grain marketing typically involves using risk management strategies that...

Why should I market grain using options and futures?

Farm Management Business Tips Marketing grain using options and futures can offer farmers and grain producers several benefits and risk management strategies. Here are some...

What to do when grain prices are in a freefall and you are unsold.

When grain market prices are dropping rapidly and you have unsold grain, there are several steps you can consider taking:

Why hire a grain market consultant?

Farmers can benefit from hiring a grain market consultant in several ways. Here are a few reasons why you may want to hire Ag Astra's team of...

Reasons to trade commodities based on an algorithm

There are several compelling reasons why trading commodities based on an algorithm can be beneficial. Below, you will find a few of those reasons.

Recognizing the Problem

MarketChat Advising farmers on how to best manage their risk in corn, wheat, and beans entails balancing an understanding of technical action and fundamental...

Top Marketers' Secrets

Farm Management Business Tips Know their numbers: The Best Marketers have the best command of their numbers. They know down to the minute details of their insurance levels and...

Time Value/Theta

MarketChat Time Value, or Theta in options—so here goes!

Wheat facts you may not have known...

Did you know a bushel of wheat makes about 42 pounds of pasta or 210 servings of spaghetti? 😮 Check out more interesting facts about wheat below...