The Russian Grain Union announced that spring planting costs will rise at least 40 percent compared to 2014 because of certain other increasing expenses. Russian Grain Markets Market Trends: 9-13 February 2015 During the week in review, domestic wheat prices dropped as other grains prices slightly increased. GEOGRAPHICALLY: 3rd grade soft milling wheat prices decreased in Central (-$2.30/MT), Black Soil and the South (-$0.30-0.50/MT), Volga Valley (-$3.30/MT), Ural (-$2/MT) and Siberia (-$0.20/MT).4th grade soft milling wheat prices also went down in Central, the South and Black Soil (-$1-1.50/MT) as well as in Volga Valley and Ural (-$2/MT). They slightly increased in Siberia (+$0.20/MT).5th grade feed wheat prices declined in Central...
Grains posted strong gains today, putting the bulls firmly in the driver’s seat. There was no shortage of fuel for the move, with three W’s driving the rally: weather, war and worry. Weather: Cooler temperatures are temporarily easing stress across the Northern Plains and Midwest, b...
Key Takeaways: Global and U.S. cotton demand has struggled since the post-COVID-19 pandemic surge, which has left cotton prices drifting lower in the U.S. The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, along with their impact on global energy markets, could boost cotton demand...
Key Takeaways: Persistent labor shortages are increasing operational challenges and costs across U.S. agriculture, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as specialty crops, dairy, and meat processing. Immigrant workers, including H-2A employees, remain essential to the agricultural work...
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.