Experts in Kenya are saying that the government will not be able to terminate the duty-free importation of white maize at the end of September as planned because of one major issue. Meanwhile, scientists there have taken a certain step regarding GM strains. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS Egypt has announced that it will sieve the two wheat cargoes it claims contain drug-producing poppy seeds before deciding whether to reject them. However, both the shipper and the French Embassy contacted the Egyptian government to point out that the type noted – papaver rhoeas (common poppy) – is a harmless poppy seed found quite often in wheat fields. Any rejection because of poppy seeds could result in international companies refu...
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...
Dry bulk markets were volatile but ultimately steady this week with notable differences in rate developments across vessel classes. The Capesize sector, which led the recent rally in freight rates with its dramatic surge, pulled back slightly amid more cautious chartering activity, partic...
Key Market Insights Macro markets delivered a full whipsaw today. Early in the session, crude oil had rallied back above $100/barrel as traders priced renewed concern over the U.S.-Iran standoff and potential supply risk through the Strait of Hormuz. That strength helped pull grains off their o...
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.