Leading Cornbelt farmers in the USA were surveyed on their sources of and responses to risk in farm production, marketing and finance. Variability in crop prices and yields were regarded as the main sources of risk. The main production responses to risk included timely use of machinery and low-cost production, while forward contracting and participation in government farm programmes were the most important marketing responses. Important financial responses included liability insurance, debt/leverage management and maintaining financial reserves. Respondents expressed a need for more information on risk management.