Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
Sugar may start to turn constructive on analyst reports of a smaller than expected crop.  We noted yesterday that one high-profile estimate has recently called for a 10.6 mmt surplus in 2011/12, which follows a slight return to positive supply balances in the current marketing year.  However, as [...]

Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
In the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service May 2011 World Agricultural Production Report, it was noted that projected corn production in the US for the 2011/12 season is currently at 343.04 mmt, which would be an 8.5% increase over last year.  The increase in planting acres (roughly +1.4 mm [...]

Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
World Sugar futures have dropped off from the recent highs in February (crossing 35 cents) down to a current range just under 22 cents; see FinViz chart below for recent performance of the July11 contract.  The spot price is now below both the 50 and 200 day moving [...]

Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
Earlier in the week, we noted that the US corn planting conditions have been suboptimal, with planting pace significantly behind both last year and the five year average for this date.  Cold wet weather has slowed field activities, particularly in the northern and central growing [...]

The US beet crop is well behind schedule for spring planting, in part due to the cold and wet pattern that has been persistent over the last month.  The Red River at Fargo has come down, but is still well above flood stage (see NOAA chart below); the recent flooding which has extended into potential [...]

The USDA/NASS Crop Progress report issued yesterday afternoon underscored the note that we had put out to clients the previous week.  US corn planting is still significantly behind the pace set last year.  As of May 1, the 18 major growing states have 13% of the intended crop in the ground, vs. 66% for the [...]