Russian Grain Markets: 21–25 September 2026 During the third week of September, the Russian grain market remained bearish. For the first time since 2018, average 3rd-grade milling wheat prices dropped below RUB 10,000/t. This poses a serious threat to the Russian agricultural sector, as low prices create cash flow gaps and potentially lower planting acreage of winter wheat this season. Wheat, barley and pulses are also under pressure. Corn is the only commodity still trying to protect its position but is already below last year’s price levels. Russia’s rye production has declined significantly over the past few decades, falling from a historical peak of 16.4 million tons in 1990 to roughly 1.1–1.2 million tons in rec...
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.
Markets are getting a quarter-end reality check as September comes to a close. Growth, inflation and interest rates remain central to the macro outlook, while tight diesel supplies keep pressure on the cost of moving goods. States are stepping in with relief, but policy changes alone cannot reb...
Key Takeaways: 1 September corn stocks totaled 2.095 billion bushels, 171 million above expectations and 544 million above last year, providing additional cushion for the 2026/27 balance sheet and potentially adding near-term pressure to prices. June-August corn disappearance increased just 10...