About

Rich Experience, Deep Knowledge

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As a leading commodity risk-management advisory, Northstar has expert analysts specializing in all areas of agri-business. While we offer essential, invaluable market information, our key differentiator is that we provide farmers with the tools to help you optimize your profitability.

Northstar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AgMotion, Inc., an integrated agricultural holding company based in Minneapolis, MN. Our analysts are regularly featured in regional and national media, including Bloomberg, Linder Farm Network, Soybean Digest, and CNBC.

Our Mission

As a trusted partner, guide, and essential resource, Northstar works tirelessly to support the success of family farms. We will continually provide actionable advice for producers to make better, more profitable decisions.

Our Leadership

Mark Schultz

Mark Schultz, Co-Founder and CEO

Our Chief Analyst, Mark, has 36 years of experience as a commodity advisor. Prior to joining Northstar Commodity, Mark worked with the USDA Farm Service Agency as a compliance supervisor. He is co-author of the weekly AgInvestor newsletter and is an in-demand speaker at market outlook seminars. Mark’s expertise and dedication are evidenced in his years of experience in the administration and compliance of USDA programs, including the new Farm Program. He has also earned keen insight into the U.S. and Global fundamental situation in the grain and livestock markets.

Jason Ward

Jason Ward, Managing Director

Jason has worked as a market analyst with Northstar Commodity for 25 years and is the co-author of the Ag-Investor newsletter. He specializes in the corn and energy markets, with a focus on ethanol. Ward is a regular contributor to the Associated Press, Dow Jones, and Bloomberg News. He has also appeared on CNBC and the Linder Farm Network Radio Station. Jason has a degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota, and works with grain and ethanol producers across the Midwest.

Brett Sweeney

Brett Sweeney, Field Representative

Brett has been with Northstar Commodity for 22 years. Prior to that, he gained valuable agri-business expertise as the national sales manager for E-markets, selling cash grain contracts to elevators. He was also a regional sales associate with DTN in Iowa. Previously, he served as a hog buyer in Litchfield, MN. Brett graduated from Buena Vista University.

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Kyle Bebler, Market Analyst

Kyle Bebler joined Northstar Commodity in May 2019. Prior to working at Northstar, he spent 5 years working as a Grain Merchandiser for CHS. While at CHS, his main focus was trading cash corn and beans throughout Minnesota and Iowa.

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Craig Cole, Market Analyst

With over 30 years in commodity trading, specializing in feed ingredients and agricultural commodities in both domestic and export markets.  Craig has been with NorthStar and US Commodities for over a decade, managing trade operations, strategic sourcing, and market analysis to stay competitive in international trade.

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Steve Peterson, Dairy Consultant

With over 11 years in the dairy industry and 18 years of overall physical commodity trading, Steve, is a seasoned Dairy Consultant with day to day experience of working with both the food and animal feed industries.  Previously he was a financial analyst in Cleveland, OH.  Steve is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio.