Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for performing agricultural transactions involving the exchange of inputs, such as agricultural equipment, non-equipment agricultural inputs, and non-agricultural inputs, in consideration of a commitment to deliver a specified quantity of an agricultural commodity over a specified period of time. In consideration of the commitment and, in some cases, a payment, the agricultural producer receives the inputs. In effect, the payment may result in a substantial discount of the price that the agricultural producer would otherwise pay for the inputs. The methods also may be applicable to exchange of non-agricultural commodities.

Abstract: The invention is directed to business methods involving inputs used to produce an agricultural product. In exchange for a promise to pay a package price to a “provider,” the agricultural producer receives inputs for producing the agricultural product, a performance guarantee in the event of input performance failure, and protection against a falling market price for the agricultural product during the growing season. The agricultural producer may also receive a deferred payment benefit, plus additional services.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an agricultural producer agrees to sell, price and deliver a quantity of an agricultural product to a buyer at a future date. The agricultural producer further agrees to price the quantity at an agreed-upon maximum price in the event the market price is equal to or above the maximum price on a target date. In the event the market price is below the maximum price on the target date, however, the agricultural producer may elect to defer pricing and/or delivery of the quantity beyond the target date, to try to take advantage of market conditions after the target date. In any event, the agricultural producer must price the quantity of agricultural product before a fixed final pricing date and must deliver the quantity of agricultural product before a fixed final delivery date.