Glencore has upgraded its online grain trading system to give farmers more chance of getting the best price for their grain this season.

One of the new features is a “target price selling capability” that allows farmers to set a target price for a given tonnage of grain and then let the Grainman system track prices and send a text message when prices hit that predetermined point. That message includes a link to the contract in order for the grower to complete the deal should they wish.

A simplified version of the Grainman system suitable for “smart” mobile phones (iPhones, Blackberries, etc) has also been launched (called Grainmate) to give farmers access to live grain trading outside the office and there have been further improvements to the web-based “farm office” that effectively gives users access to Glencore’s tracking system.

The Grainman system was originally launched almost 10 years ago and has around 4000 users.

Go to www.grainman.co.uk to find out more.