It was mostly a down day for the futures market and the most persistent rationale given is disappointment in the substance in the U.S. – China trade agreement. As can happen between Washington, New York and Chicago, there is somewhat of a disconnect between the policy wonks and the market makers regarding the U.S. – China trade deal. Those in the market are heavily focused on the agreement’s language indicating China will buy according to market conditions. Trade negotiators say the purchase obligations by the Chinese are ironclad. The “market conditions” reference is simply acknowledging that purchasing will occur during the year when prices are optimal, but the total amount purchased is enforceable.&nb...
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.