Regional News Global commodity markets are reacting to weekend news of the coronavirus’ spread to countries in the Middle East and Europe, as well as within China and other Asian nations. Concerns about the impact to global demand are resurging and the trade is adopting a “risk off” mentality. That backdrop is profoundly coloring the European grain and oilseed markets this week and most commodities are posting strong losses compared to the prior week. Black Sea winter crops have little to no snow cover presently due to abnormally warm temperatures in recent weeks. The lack of snow cover is not an issue if temperatures continue to trend warmer, but a sudden frost/freeze would be highly damaging. Presently, the crops...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
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.