If global grain markets are in turmoil, the fertilizer market is going to precipitate a crisis. The International Food Policy Research Institute held a conference on the topic today that detailed just how threatening the fertilizer situation is to global grain markets. If nitrogen is withdrawn from field use, grain yields drop by 43 percent in just the first year. The supplemental application of nutrients is credited with saving billions of people from starvation. Yet Laura Cross of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) notes the confluence of five factors adversely impacting the market:
The demand for fertilizer has shot up concurrent with the increased need to grow food. The same supply chain disruptions affecting other indus...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
