Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA: The Master of the M/V Tomini Destiny has refused to allow discharge of a bulk cargo in Bangladesh due to concerns over the added risk of COVID-19 from local stevedores. This is probably the first reported problem of this type, but it will certainly not be the last. There are problems in many ports with crew changes and replacement, as new crew members are not able to get to vessels due to lockdowns in many countries while current crew members cannot leave the vessels. Egypt’s GASC is looking at making changes to its wheat tenders – GASC may ask for tender offers as CNF rather than the normal FOB prices. It is said that GASC may also change to sight letters of credit (L...
After spending much of the year searching for a reason to stay, the bulls suddenly have several. Grain markets have strengthened, wheat is leading the charge, outside markets are becoming more supportive, and geopolitical and weather risks are once again demanding attention. Does that mean the...
Key Takeaways: Cover crops are gaining adoption as farmers seek to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and build more resilient cropping systems. While cover crops do not provide immediate revenue, their long-term benefits include improved nutrient retention, water management, and soil produc...
The latest EIA data showed some interesting anomalies in the ethanol industry, changes that will have a material impact on the industry’s profits and corn consumption for 2025/26 and early 2026/27. The EIA reported that ethanol production fell 4.8 percent for the week ending 10 July...
From WPI Consulting
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.