Greetings from The Dutch Farmer!
Wow! It has been an exciting year to be in the farming and commodity business. In last year’s Dutch Farmer’s Almanac, I forecasted new highs in soybeans and hogs...and those were two forecasts that worked. But speaking as someone who
has traded commodities for a living for the last 34 years, 2008 was one of the most challenging years for farmers to capture the profits from those high prices.

It was a challenge for me, too: Some of my “Fearless Forecasts” weren’t 100% right. One was a complete bust: my projection for $60 crude oil by the third quarter of 2008. I underestimated the increased global consumption of energy that has developed in China, India and most of the developing world. I never imagined they would keep increasing their consumption as they have. And “Fearless” as I am, at least I used my rules and had my newsletter subscribers bought ahead on their gasoline and diesel at the right time.

So what did I learn this year? That thinking ahead and planning your marketing and input buying decisions DOES work. The majority of my “Fearless Forecasts” and “Marketing List” suggestions helped the farmers who followed the recommendations make more money. Check out my “Fearless Scorecard” on page 7.

Thank you for all of the letters and support that I received from readers who used their 2008 Dutch Farmers Almanac to help them manage risk and strengthen their farm operation. In the 2009 edition, we are using your suggestions, and will continue to provide the checklists and specific recommendations you can count on. This year we will again have historic fundamental data and long term charts, and we’re adding more analysis of that information. You’ll see some otus new additions, as well.

Welcome to your 2009 Dutch Farmers Almanac…. for farmers who actually want to make money. If you thought 2008 was a wild year, hang on: Get ready for anotus volatile year in 2009

Sincerely,

Alan Kluis
The Dutch Farmer
Chandler, Minnesota