The CBOT was mostly higher on Tuesday as strong export demand – even in spite of Argentina’s temporary export tax cut – continues to drive the grain market outlook. Corn demand remains especially strong with Mexico booking another several cargoes overnight despite its own outlook for greater production this year. Wheat also joined in the rally with a combination of bargain buying and possible fresh export interest lifting contracts off contract lows. The laggard for the day was soybeans, which while finishing higher, lacked any meaningful strength as China continues to avoid U.S. soybeans, most recently in favor of large Argentine purchases. Live cattle futures also joined the Turnaround Tuesday mentality with nearby contr...
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.