Files
Abstract
A theoretical optimal hedging model is developed to determine potential demand from Australian
farmers for a hedging tool to remove the economic consequences of climate related variability in
wheat yield. In the past, financial instruments have been developed to hedge price risk on capital
markets; however, in more recent times new financial instruments, weather derivatives, have been
developing that hedge the volumetric risk associated with unfavourable weather. Weather
derivatives have the ability to effectively hedge weather related volume risk for the agricultural,
mining, energy and manufacturing industries, while also providing a risk management tool for
construction firms and special events organisers, although there are still many hurdles to
implementing agricultural weather derivative contracts in Australia. The optimal hedging ratio is
found to be quite sensitive to the degree of risk aversion of the farmer and to the cost of obtaining
the contracts.