James Schroeder Loganville, Wisconsin Commodities Broker AP Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association
What education are you bringing with you to this position?Aside from a degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, I bring nearly a decade’s worth of practical experience in the derivatives market. There is no substitute for the knowledge and experience gained earning a living each day in the trading pit.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a small, family Christmas tree farm, and spent a great deal of time working with my parents to raise Christmas trees. It was an incredibly rewarding experience putting those trees in the ground, tending them for close to a decade, and then finally seeing the smile on a customer’s face at Christmas time.
Because of the retail component of the business, there was always a strong focus on quality and attention to detail. This focus paid off for my parents in 2011, when one of their trees was selected as Grand Champion at the National Christmas Tree Producers Association annual convention and earned the honor of presenting the official White House Christmas tree.
What territory will you cover?
I will be covering the entire U.S.
What are your new responsibilities?
In my new position I will be helping producers navigate the ups and downs of the commodity markets.
What previous positions have you held?
I have worked as an option market-maker and proprietary option trader.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My parents have, by far, had the biggest impact on my career. Growing up in a family business taught me the values of hard work, dedication, frugality, common sense, attention to detail and integrity. These values have served me well throughout my career.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I can be of most help to progressive producers looking to manage the risks and capitalize on the opportunities inherent in today’s volatile commodity markets. Futures and options are excellent tools that allow producers to develop sound marketing plans, manage risk and take advantage of favorable pricing.
Why did you choose this company?
Equity has a long history of assisting producers in their marketing efforts and I am proud to now be a part of that history. I also prefer Equity’s cooperative structure to the corporate alternative. I feel that the cooperative structure provides for a better working relationship with our patrons.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I look forward to developing strong relationships with the producers I work with, and I would hope that those strong relationships yield growth for the business by word of mouth.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope I am right here in 5 years, working with producers to manage risk and take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural markets. PD
