November 21, 2007

Cargill launches 'CargillAg.com' grain marketing resource

Cargill on November 19 launched CargillAg.com, a website developed to give grain producers a one-stop, online grain marketing resource. The new site, which is free of banner ads, offers streaming grain and livestock futures market quotes, continuously updated cash bid prices at every elevator in the Cargill AgHorizons network, local weather and news and exclusive grain markets commentary by Cargill.

A password-protected "Online Account Access" capability will be added in Spring 2008 that will enable customers to electronically track the status of their Cargill grain marketing activities including grain sold, contracts by type, actual sales versus estimated annual production, average final prices received and other vital information. Cargill said an electronic signature feature will be available in many locations, eliminating the burden of receiving, signing and returning paper contracts.

Jeff Klock, Cargill AgHorizons database marketing product manager said the creation of this online source was due to customers' request for easier market analysis and account functionality. For example, Klock explains interactive "Solutions Finder" tool asks a series of questions to help producers identify specific contracts and services that might better fit their specific grain marketing preferences and needs. Futures quotes automatically update in conjunction with current global markets, and online market commentary and industry news is focused exclusively on those commodities in which our customers work.

Klock believes that CargillAg.com will provide the most powerful online account tools in the industry as it offers a new online platform that can effectively execute the market strategy approach.