Trader PhD Awarded Ag Marketing Service of the Year 2025

Trader PhD Ag Marketing: Real-Time Insights for Smarter Farming Decisions

The agricultural commodity market holds immense opportunities, but success comes down to understanding its dynamics and knowing when to capitalize on them. With prices fluctuating, forecasts shifting, and information overload clouding decision-making, grain and livestock producers need more than data—they need clarity and strategy. 

Trader PhD, founded by seasoned trader Chad Toyne, bridges this gap by turning market complexity into actionable insights. Through timely and relevant updates and expert analysis, it empowers producers to make informed marketing decisions. It cuts through the noise to help producers navigate volatility, optimize pricing and protect their bottom line.

“Timing is critical,” says Toyne, founder and CEO. “Not only do you need to act when the time is right, but you need to be properly positioned for that critical time window.”

Marketing With Purpose

Toyne founded Trader PhD on the belief that trading wasn’t just about understanding market trends—it required a disciplined, strategic approach to risk management. Toyne grew up on a farm, living through the grain price surges during the 1988 drought and the devastating flood of 1993. He saw how extreme events could disrupt markets and producers' livelihoods. That background laid the foundation for developing a strategy for better market outcomes, not leaving it to guesswork.

Yet, many brokers advising farmers operated without a clear plan, offering hedging recommendations without defined strategies. The decisions were too reactive. This left producers uncertain about coverage levels, timing and necessary adjustments, often resulting in unnecessary costs or missed opportunities to protect their profits.

Trader PhD was created to change that. Rather than leaving producers to navigate volatile markets alone or rely on advice driven by commissions, he believed in equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to take control of their marketing. 

“Knowing what to expect allows you to make confident decisions and follow through with the execution,” says Toyne.

Real-Time Insights Delivered Directly to Producers

Trader PhD’s audio broadcasts go beyond numbers. They offer clear, actionable insights. Delivered directly to producers via phone calls, these four-minute updates cover key commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle and hogs. Each update provides a concise overview of price movements, supply and demand shifts and risk factors. Producers can stay on top of crucial information without being overwhelmed. It also offers tools designed to keep them ahead of the market. Daily market commentary via text provides quick, up-to-date analysis, while buy and sell signals aid timely, confident decisions. 

Taking it further, the Trader PhD mobile app consolidates ag news, price charts, and expert insights into a user-friendly platform for those who prefer a more in-depth industry view. 

Trader PhD Forward Basis Index takes the guesswork out of Basis Contracts

The proprietary Trader PhD Forward Basis Index sets a new standard in market insight. Unlike traditional spot basis metrics, it normalizes raw data across futures contract rollovers and diverse cash bids, delivering a clearer, long-term view of basis trends. Producers can identify profitable pricing windows well before they become apparent to the broader market, helping them to make informed decisions and lock in the best prices.  Trader PhD Forward Basis Index tracks different timeframes of forward basis over 75-, 100-, 125-, or 150-day periods for regions like Iowa or nationwide. “No more guessing if you should lock in a basis contract,” says Toyne. “Trader PhD is your farm’s financial compass—turning market chaos into confident profits.”

Producers also have access to personalized support through ag marketing advisor Nick Lawrence. Those seeking a tailored approach can work directly with Lawrence to develop customized marketing strategies based on Toyne’s outlook and their individual business needs. 

A free trial period allows them to experience Toyne’s broadcasts, market texts, and mobile app before committing to a plan. At the end of the trial, the team reviews feedback, answers questions, and recommends the best subscription for each user. 

With subscription plans tailored to operations of all sizes, Trader PhD ensures farmers receive the market intelligence and guidance they need. Its advanced algorithms and trading systems analyze market patterns to detect potential risks. Backtesting, predictive modeling, and in-depth analysis provide early warnings of downturns so operations can be safeguarded.

Evolving to Meet Producers’ Needs

Trader PhD prioritizes continuous improvement by actively gathering customer feedback and adapting its services to meet farmers' evolving needs. Through regular surveys, it identifies valuable features and enhancements in both its mobile app and overall service offerings.

In response to the demand for more in-depth market insights, it introduced a “CommodityChat” podcast series. These new offerings provide expert analysis on USDA grain and livestock reports and other key market developments, delivering more personalized and value-driven content.

Behind every market insight and risk-management strategy is a team committed to excellence. Trader PhD fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, driving smarter solutions that equip producers with the tools and knowledge to succeed. In September 2024, Trader PhD was recognized as a top workplace in Iowa.

In an industry where informed decision-making can make all the difference, the future belongs to those who leverage real-time market insights and precise risk management. For producers ready to take control of their marketing and unlock new levels of profitability, the choice is clear. 

This article was originally published by Agri Business Review. Click here to read the original article.