Stewart-Peterson's Market360 was created for the busy producer who understands the importance of price risk and opportunity management and wants to enlist a trusted advisor for a strategic, disciplined approach.

2. What is the objective of Market360?

Market360 assists the dairy producer in managing the price opportunities and risks of two important aspects of the business: a) milk sold off the farm, and b) inputs for the farm, such as corn and soybean meal.

3. What is the orientation process for opening a  Market360 account?

When you join Market 360, a Market360 advisor contacts you for an in-depth interview to get the details of your dairy operation. The purpose of this interview is to provide the groundwork to customize the Market360 recommendations to your situation and needs.

We discuss with you the marketing strategies that will guide us going forward. When developing marketing strategies, we examine multiple months in which to market, as well as decide when to purchase inputs such as corn and soybean meal. We follow an intensive, multi-step process for making marketing decisions.

This is also the time when we determine and structure communication methods (phone, Internet, fax, e-mail, broadcast voice-mail) that best fit each member of your operation. We give you a binder containing organizational resources for your Market360 records as well as educational and reference materials.

4. How are the Market360 strategies developed?

The Stewart-Peterson Market360 advisors develop continuously evolving strategies that are reviewed weekly and updated as market conditions change. Our Market360 committee, comprised of five senior market advisors, diligently reviews the strategies. These five senior advisors have a combined 93 years of experience in market advisory service. Your customized, comprehensive strategies can utilize a broad range of marketing tools, such as the forward contracting plan provided by your milk plant (if offered), as well as futures contracts and options available on the exchange.

5. How are the strategies implemented?

When strategies are updated, we communicate them to you through our phone conversations, daily email or fax. This email/fax also provides market commentary and is sent out around 4:30 p.m. Central Time. There is also communication from your advisor by phone at least once every two weeks, or more frequently when market conditions dictate. Your market advisor will implement your strategies as market conditions warrant. 

Your Market360 advisor is responsible for customizing the strategies to fit your individual needs. We view our role from a teamwork approach - we are a member of your management team. We watch over markets, monitor your opportunities and risk, and provide and implement recommendations.

6. How often will you communicate with me?

Communication is a major component of Market360. Your Market360 advisor uses fax, email, and phone calls to proactively keep you up to date on the markets and your marketing strategies. To show the overall value of your production, we provide a detailed report each month that points out the impact of cash sale activity and transactions.

We want you to call us with questions, comments or concerns at any time. Continuous and two-way communications are crucial components of your Market360 account.