The RMA employs the FN rating to reduce the APH yields used for crop insurance policies. This year’s problem with the FN scores is in addition to the low yields of recent drought years, putting the APH rating at risk for several years ahead. However, there are several appeals to make an accommodation.Weather patterns this year in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) wheat-producing region may be creating a longer-term crop insurance problem. Temperature fluctuations have caused some wheat harvests to be delayed, which exposes the crop to another risk. When left in the field after it is otherwise fully matured, the grain may start to germinate in the head. Wet weather also causes this to occur. The longer the grain germinates, the greater the formati...
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...
Inflation is back in the driver’s seat, and agriculture is getting pulled in two directions. A stronger dollar is pressuring grains despite fresh Chinese buying, while renewed Middle East attacks lift crude oil. Higher energy prices can support commodities, but they also raise expenses an...
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.