Russian Grain Markets: 4-8 December 2017 Market Trends Domestic prices changed insignificantly overall, although there were some regional fluctuations. However, they all decreased on average in USD expression due to weakening of the ruble. On the export market, milling wheat prices either remained unchanged or grew (+$1/MT) to $192/MT FOB Black Sea. Feed barley prices also showed more obvious growth on the export market at $192/MT Black Sea and $172-176/MT CPT-port. Meanwhile, corn export prices remained unchanged at $166/MT FOB Black Sea. GEOGRAPHICALLY 3rd grade soft milling wheat prices decreased in Central (-$1.50/MT), Black Soil (-$0.60/MT), the South (-$1.20/MT) and Siberia (-$0.80/MT), but they grew in Volga Valley (+$1.20/MT) an...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
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.