In this episode, we dive into the dynamics of global agricultural markets and explore the growing case for investing in agricultural commodities, particularly through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). With rising geopolitical uncertainty, shifting climate patterns, and ongoing supply-chain fragility, the investment rationale for agriculture is not only relevant today but may become even more compelling in a more volatile future.
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is Jake Hanley, Managing Director at Teucrium, a US-based ETF issuer with a specialisation in agricultural commodities. Jake breaks down the core market fundamentals, the key drivers of price risk, and why agricultural ETFs provide a transparent, accessible vehicle for investors seeking inflation protection and uncorrelated returns.
Read below for our key talent impacts from this episode.
Key Talent Impacts
Is talent equipped to operate in high-volatility commodity markets?
With accelerating geopolitical risk, unstable supply chains and rapid market swings, commodity and energy organisations need talent skilled in risk management, rapid decision-making and navigating uncertainty.
Do commodity organisations have the digital, AI and data-driven skills they need?
The adoption of AI, automation and advanced analytics in energy and agricultural markets means talent must increasingly understand AI forecasting, robotics, data-centre energy demand and digital trading systems.
Are commodity professionals sufficiently fluent in geopolitics and policy risk?
Trade wars, subsidies, sanctions and government intervention directly affect energy and agricultural markets. Talent needs strong geopolitical awareness and the ability to assess policy risk and regulatory change.
Do teams possess the cross-commodity knowledge required for resilient strategies?
As energy, metals and agricultural commodities respond differently to shocks, talent must understand cross-commodity correlations and market fundamentals to build diversified, resilient strategies.
Are leaders prepared to manage structural transformation across the energy and commodities sector?
Technological disruption, demographic change, climate pressures and food-security concerns demand leaders who can guide organisations through long-term structural shifts, not just short-term commodity cycles.
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HC Commodities Podcast Briefing
Edited highlights and themes from the podcast episode.
Why does Teucrium believe agricultural commodities matter in today’s market?
Jake Hanley explains that we are in a period of heightened global volatility driven by geopolitical tension, supply-chain fragility and rapid technological acceleration. In this environment, agricultural commodities offer unique diversification benefits. Unlike equities or fixed income, grains such as corn, wheat and soybeans often move independently of traditional assets and can perform strongly during supply shocks.
What is Teucrium’s “Great Acceleration” thesis?
Hanley describes the “Great Acceleration” as the fastest rate of change in modern history—driven by AI, robotics, digitisation, energy demand growth and shifting geopolitical alliances. As private-sector innovation races ahead of policymaking, volatility becomes a constant. This has direct implications for commodity markets, where uncertainty affects production decisions, logistics, capital allocation and risk management.
How do agricultural markets behave across cycles?
Hanley outlines the “golden grain cycle”:
- Prices hover near the cost of production (stage one).
- A supply shock—often drought—pushes prices sharply higher (stage two).
- Production recovers, easing prices back to baseline (stage three).
After several years of sideways trading, Hanley believes markets are now in stage one, with limited downside and the potential for future supply-driven spikes.
What role do agricultural ETFs play for investors?
Teucrium’s ETFs provide exposure to underlying grain markets without the operational challenges of futures trading. While contango can create negative roll yield, diversified contract structures help mitigate this. For long-term investors, agricultural ETFs offer inflation protection, low correlation to equities and the potential to capture stage-two price surges.
How are technology and policy reshaping agricultural commodities?
AI-driven energy demand, geopolitical realignment, trade wars and government subsidies all shape supply, demand and pricing. Hanley emphasises that food security guarantees continued government involvement, making policy literacy essential for understanding future market behaviour.