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In Arlan and Mike: The Next Move, a new episode of StoneX's Boots on the Ground series, Senior Commodities Economist Mike Castle joins Chief Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman to discuss how firsthand agricultural experience informs market analysis.
Filmed at Castle's family farm and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the episode examines how understanding agricultural production can help analysts interpret commodity market data for producers and other market participants.
Castle's understanding of agriculture began on his family's farm in Marshall, Missouri, where farming has been a way of life for five generations. Although he did not pursue farming as a full-time career, those early experiences continue to influence how he approaches commodity market analysis.
For Castle, the work goes beyond interpreting supply and demand figures. Understanding how producers operate and make decisions helps explain why market developments matter.
"The ag sector is something that I care deeply about," Castle said, reflecting on the opportunity to apply his education and analytical experience to an industry central to rural America.
The episode also visits the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where Castle studied agricultural economics. Former instructors and industry colleagues describe his longstanding interest in applying research to practical business decisions.
Castle believes the value of market data lies in understanding the story behind the numbers.
StoneX Market Intelligence draws on agricultural production figures, government reports and international trade data to assess market conditions. The team's data resources also help risk consultants and clients evaluate potential risks and opportunities.
Castle emphasized that StoneX's global connections provide information that can be interpreted alongside local production conditions. Being based in the heart of U.S. agricultural territory adds another dimension to that analysis.
The objective is to make complex market information useful to businesses facing decisions about pricing and risk.
That approach is particularly important when producers must distinguish meaningful market developments from competing forecasts and commentary.
The episode also marks an important transition within StoneX Market Intelligence. Suderman plans to retire at the end of 2026, with Castle assuming greater responsibility for commodities market commentary and analysis.
Castle credits Suderman as an important influence on his development as a market analyst.
"I've been very privileged to be able to work with him and learn from him," Castle said.
As he takes on a larger role, Castle intends to build on that foundation while bringing his own perspective to the work.
For agricultural businesses, that means continued access to market analysis grounded in both global data and firsthand knowledge of agricultural production.
Access agricultural market data and analysis to help inform your pricing and risk management decisions. Learn how StoneX Market Intelligence can support your business.
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--- Written by Andy Catsimanes, Copywriter, StoneX
--- Expert: Mike Castle, StoneX Senior Commodities Economist
--- Expert: Arlan Suderman, StoneX Chief Commodities Economist
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StoneX Senior Commodities Economist Mike Castle explains how five generations of family farming shape the way he reads agricultural market data. As Arlan Suderman prepares to retire, Castle is taking on a larger role in StoneX Market Intelligence.
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