Building Empowerment Tool For Commodity Contracts

Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain - North America (CASC-NA) connects farmers with markets, helping them navigate the complexities of selling their crops and managing commodity futures contracts. Traditionally, this process was handled using cumbersome spreadsheets and outdated tools, making it difficult for farmers to stay informed and engaged. To improve this experience, we designed a mobile app that replaced the manual spreadsheet process with an accessible, real-time tool for creating and managing contracts.

The Challenge

Farmers were working with outdated, clunky spreadsheets to negotiate commodity futures contracts—a process that often left them feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. The goal was to build a mobile solution that would simplify the contract-building process, empowering farmers to have more control over the terms of their contracts, while also streamlining the experience for Cargill representatives.

The app needed to be user-friendly, intuitive, and provide real-time updates so farmers could negotiate effectively on the spot. Accessibility was key: the solution needed to work on any mobile device, with a straightforward interface that didn’t require a steep learning curve.

Our Approach

We started by immersing ourselves in the daily lives of farmers and understanding how they interacted with Cargill’s supply chain. Through interviews and field research, we identified pain points in the contract negotiation process and gathered insights on how to simplify it.

With these insights in mind, we designed an app that brought contract management into the modern age. Farmers could now view and build contracts in real-time, getting up-to-date pricing and market information to guide their decisions. The app also provided transparency, making it easier for them to negotiate fair terms based on live data.

Design Solutions

• Live-Updated Contracts The app replaced static spreadsheets with a dynamic interface that updates in real time. This allowed both farmers and Cargill reps to adjust contract terms instantly based on the latest market prices.
• Intuitive Interface We created a streamlined user interface designed for non-technical users. Farmers could access their contract details quickly and make changes with just a few taps.
• Mobile Accessibility The app was built to be fully responsive, ensuring that farmers could access it from any mobile device, whether in the field or at home.
• Data Transparency We incorporated features that provided full visibility into commodity prices, helping farmers make informed decisions and negotiate confidently.

Outcome

The CASC-NA mobile app revolutionized how farmers engage in the commodity contract process. By moving away from spreadsheets and into a live, mobile experience, farmers gained more control over their contracts, resulting in more transparent and fair negotiations. For Cargill, the app improved efficiency, making the contract-building process smoother and more collaborative.

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