Regional News Grain markets in Europe and the Black Sea remain dominated by one factor: the looming possibility that Russia will invade Ukraine. Diplomatic discussions have, so far, failed to prompt Russia to standdown its posture and further escalation of tensions is likely. Freight rates and insurance policies for shipments from the Black Sea are reportedly carrying large “war risk” premiums, but WPI has, so far, been unable to pin down exactly how much premium these markets are commanding. The other large global trend affecting ag markets is the threat of global inflation and food (in)security for middle-income and developing nations. Food insecurity or unavailability, especially for staple crops/foods, has the...
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.