Welcome

Step inside the world of agricultural commodity trading with the fully updated and expanded second edition of Commodity Conversations – An Introduction to Trading Agricultural Commodities. Voted one of the best books ever written on commodity trading, this acclaimed guide returns with even more practical insight, clarity, and real-world expertise.

Whether you’re a student, market professional, or simply curious about how food and raw materials move from farm to table, Commodity Conversations demystifies the global trade in grains, oilseeds, sugar, and more. Jonathan Kingsman draws on decades of experience to explain market structures, pricing, risk management, and trading strategies-always in accessible language and with vivid, up-to-date examples.

This second edition features:

  • Guest chapters from industry leaders on freight, operations, and macroeconomics, expanding your understanding of the entire supply chain.
  • 100% new interviews with traders, analysts, operators, and freight specialists, offering fresh perspectives and invaluable lessons from the front lines.
  • Updated commentary reflecting the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in today’s volatile markets.

Engaging, comprehensive, and practical, Commodity Conversations is your essential companion for navigating the complexities of agricultural markets, whether you’re taking your first steps or sharpening your trading edge.

Available on Amazon

Posts

A Conversation with Bill Wilson

William W. Wilson is a University Distinguished Professor and CHS Endowed Chair in Risk and Trading   at North Dakota State University in the Department of  Agribusiness and Applied Economics. His focus is risk and strategy as applied to agriculture and agribusiness, with a particular focus on procurement, transportation, logistics, international marketing, and competition. He teaches …

Food is never just food

Trends, Themes and Threats The agricultural commodity trade is undergoing profound transformations, driven by shifting demographics, technological advancements, and global political dynamics. I recently delivered a talk highlighting some of the most important trends—and the disruptive “trend breakers” poised to reshape the industry. Here are eight of them:  Population Growth is Slowing World population growth …