Factors influencing farm level use of futures and options in commodity marketing

A probit model is used to quantify factors influencing the probability that a selected group of agricultural decision makers (producers and landowners receiving crops from a share lease) used futures or options for commodity marketing during the 1986, 1987, or 1988 marketing years. Respondents were selected from participants in orientation sessions associated with the nationwide Futures and Option Marketing Pilot Program. Results suggest previous use of cash forward contracts, location, size and farming operation (measured by gross farm sales), having a college degree(s), and membership in a marketing club have the greatest impact on the probability of using futures and options.