Corn Argentina’s corn harvest continues to progress slowly, not only because the focus remains on soybeans — with more than 21 percent harvested in just one week — but also due to rains recorded in several areas. To date, 34 percent of the estimated corn area has been harvested, with an accumulated volume of 20 MMT, compared to 4.9 MMT harvested by the same time last year. The main reason for this increase is a higher proportion of early-planted corn, which helped avoid corn stunt disease. All applied techniques appear to have been effective, as there has been no significant presence of the chicharrita (corn leafhopper) this year. Strong yields are allowing for slightly more optimistic views on total production...
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.
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...