As the graphic from the NWS Advanced Hydro Prediction Service shows, the Red River at Fargo is forecast to remain well above major flood stage through this Friday.  Certain impacts to sugarbeet plantings.

Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
 
The April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate Report (WASDE) was issued a couple of weeks ago, and it underscores the concerns that we have around the US cotton crop, which were highlighted in our post from earlier this week.  The table below from the April WASDE shows [...]

US corn is getting off to a slower start compared to last year; the table above from yesterday’s USDA NASS Crop Progress report shows that planting progress as of April 17th was at 7%, vs. 16% this time last year.  The current week will not help much, but we are looking at better conditions for [...]

Wheat is up again in overnight activity (currently up 2%) as analysts continue to figure in suboptimal crop conditions leading to a shorter US winter crop; in addition, the cooler pattern has been delaying spring plantings, adding to the uncertainty surrounding adequate supplies.  In yesterday’s NASS crop progress report, US spring wheat plantings were only [...]

The US produces 1.6 billion pounds of almonds each year, and the crop is California’s #1 specialty crop export.  A reduction in the pollinator population means a smaller bloom, potentially impacting supply.  Colony Collapse Disorder has taken an estimated 25% of the current bee population in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys where most of [...]

Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research

Tight stocks in the US cotton market coupled with a heightened awareness of potential weather risks due to La Nina at the start of 2011 signal incereased volatility for traders and manufacturers in the months ahead.  We talked about some of the effects on commercial agriculture stemming from [...]