Caribbean Millers' Association

AWB profit downgraded after poor performance in Brazil

May 12, 2009

AWB Limited announced on May 12 that net profits will be A$8-A$9 million slightly lower than previously advised.

Source: World-Grain

USDA projects wheat carryover for 2009-10 down 5%

May 12, 2009

In its first projections for the 2009-10 marketing year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast U.S. wheat carryover on June 1, 2010, at 637 million bushels, down 32 million bushels, or 5%, from 669 million bushels estimated for 2009 and up 108% from 306 million bushels in 2008.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd......................................

U.S. winter wheat production forecast down 20%

May 12, 2009

U.S. 2009 winter wheat production was forecast at 1,502,074,000 bushels, down 365,829,000 bushels, or 20%, from 1,867,903,000 bushels in 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in its May Crop Production report this morning. (Click here for full USDA report.)

Source: World-Grain

First-quarter flour output mostly down across varieties

May 11, 2009

Flour production by U.S. mills in the first quarter of 2009 decreased 0.9% from the record output in the same 2008 quarter, according to the Bureau of the Census of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Output in January-March amounted to 100,486,000 cwts, down 896,000 from 101,382,000 produced in the first three months of last year.

Source: World-Gain

Cont'd...................................

Global flour export forecast increases

May 11, 2009

Prospects for global flour exports in 2008-09 increased by nearly 400,000 tonnes in wheat equivalent in the latest estimates issued by the International Grains Council (IGC). Even with the gain, the new assessment of this season’s export flour trade fell 8% from the record trade volume achieved in the prior season.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd..........................................

The Andersons net income declines, grain business grows

May 7, 2009

The Andersons, Inc. announced on May 6 first quarter net income of $5 million, or 27¢ per diluted share, on revenues of $697 million. In the same three-month period of 2008, the company reported results of $7.8 million, or 42¢ per diluted share, on $713 million of revenues.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd......................................

ADM earnings suffer steep decline

May 5, 2009

Earnings at Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) in the third quarter ended March 31 plummeted 98%, bogged down by a sharp decline in sales and one-time charges related to equity investments. Net income in the quarter ended March 31 totaled $8 million, equal to 1¢ per share on the common stock, down from $517 million, or 80¢ per share, in the same period a year ago

Source: World-Grain

KSU recruits 'Brains for Grains'

May 4, 2009

The Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. will be the site of Kansas State University's (KSU) "Brains for Grains" Wildcat Recruitment Extravaganza on May 18, the university announced on May 4.

Source: World-Grain

FAPRI outlook shows world grain prices to remain strong

May 4, 2009

World grain prices should remain strong because of growing demand for food, feed and fuel, the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), said in its 2009 Outlook report on April 30.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd...................................

IGC says world wheat stocks to grow

May4, 2009

World wheat ending stocks in 2009-10 were projected at 171 million tonnes in the initial forecast of the International Grains Council (IGC).

Source: World-Grain

USGA says flu misconceptions could hurt grain growers

May 1, 2009

Despite accurate information being easily accessible, the connection between pork safety and the H1N1 virus is pushing pork demand lower in Mexico, which could also harm U.S. farmers by causing a reduction in demand for feed ingredients, the U.S. Grain Association said on April 30.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd......................................

Average price of wheat down slightly in April

May 1, 2009

The preliminary national average price received by U.S. farmers for all wheat in April was $5.69 per bushel, down 1¢ from March and down $4.41 from the April 2008 average of $10.10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in its latest Agricultural Prices report.

Source: World-Grain

Corn Products reports 74% decline in first-quarter income

April 28, 2009

Corn Products International, Inc. reported on April 28 a 74% decline in the company's net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Corn Products recorded net income of $17 million, or 22¢ per diluted share, compared with net income of $64 million, or 85¢ per diluted share, last year.

Source: World-Grain

Commodity markets retreat on swine flu fears

April 28, 2009

U.S. commodity markets retreated on April 28 in part on fears related to the outbreak of swine flu, potential reduced pork consumption and the banning of pork imports from the United States by Russia, China and other countries, although there have been no reports of the virus in U.S. swine.

Source: World-Grain

Fritz to Leave Kansas Wheat

April 24, 2009

After nine years working for the Kansas wheat industry, including four as the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat, Dusti Fritz will leave her post and pursue a new role within the agriculture industry. Her departure is effective May 15, although she has accepted a half-time role as interim CEO until June 30.

Source: Kansas Wheat News

Cont'd...........................

General Mills closes Brazilian pasta and bread unit

April 20, 2009

General Mills announced on April 17 that it is closing its Brazilian pasta and bread businesses.

Source: World-Grain

U.S. Wheat Associates Wheat Letter

April 16, 2009

In This Issue:
1. Spring Wheat Crop Report
2. Lower Freight Costs Increase U.S. Wheat Value
3. New Administration's Focus on Food AID Seen at IFAC
4. FAS Launches New Country Web Pages
5. Humanitarian Program to Fund Ag Development in Afghanistan
6. Easing Some Cuba Restrictions a Welcome Step
7. More Competition for U.S. Wheat Planted Area
8. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates

FAS forecasts oilseed consumption in Mexico to decline

April 15, 2009

A recession in Mexico is expected to decrease domestic consumption of oilseeds and products containing oilseeds, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) said on April 14.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd..........................................

China's oilseed production to decline in 2009-10

April 15, 2009

China's total oilseed production is forecast to decrease slightly in 2009-10 while domestic consumption is expected to grow during the same period, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) said on April 15.

Source: World-Grain

IAOM to hold 2010 conference in Las Vegas

April 15, 2009

The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) recently announced that its annual conference and expo in 2010 will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Source: World-Grain

The Bulletin

April 13, 2009

At a glance

Regulations under the CWB Act require candidates and registered third parties to report the names of campaign donors who contributed more than $100, along with an accounting of their own election or advertising expenses. The information is made public after each election in the interests of fairness and transparency.

Source: Canadian Wheat Board

Russia to export 2 million tonnes of grain from intervention fund

April 8, 2009

Russia is planning to export 2 million tonnes of grain from the government's intervention fund, Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik said at a meeting of the State Duma's Agricultural Affairs Committee on April 7.

Source: World-Grain

Russian wheat exports soar 89% in Jan-Feb

April 8, 2009

Russia increased wheat exports 89% by volume in January-February 2009 compared to the same period of 2008, the Federal Customs Service (FCS) said in a statement on April 7.

Source: World-Grain

Brazilian Wheat Production to rise by 10%

April 8, 2009

The Brazilian minister of Agriculture, Reinhold Stephanes, believes that the Brazilian wheat production should grow by 10% this year, and may cater to as much as 60% of domestic demand.

Source: World-Grain

Winter storms may damage some Kansas wheat crops

April 7, 2009

Leaf damage from sleet and small hail will likely have little effect on final yields of the Kansas wheat crop, the Kansas Wheat Association said on April 6.

Late March and early April winter storms and hard freezes have caused a lot of distress among wheat farmers in southern Kansas, according to the association. Storms dropped a great deal of much-needed moisture, but the wheat crop had emerged from winter dormancy and had progressed quite nicely, until the storms hit.

Source: World-Grain

ConAgra to sell $750 million in notes

April 7, 2009

ConAgra Foods, Inc. said it will sell $750 million principal amount of senior notes in a public offering with the intended purpose of using the proceeds to buy up to $600 million principal amount of three series of its outstanding senior notes in cash tender offers.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd................................................

Wheat dara declines on increased supplies

April 7, 2009

Wheat dara prices fell by Rs 10 per quintal in the national capital today as arrivals of new stocks created adequate stocks position against subdued demand. Marketmen said increased arrivals of new stocks against subdued demand mainly led to fall in wholesale wheat dara prices.

Source: World-Grain

AIB International addresses audit procedures

April 6, 2009

AIB International this week released an extensive account of its role in the audit of the Peanut Corporation of America’s (PCA) Blakely, Georgia, U.S, facility.

In defending its services, AIB said third-party audits play a "critical role" in securing a safe food supply.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd.............................................

The Bulletin

April 6, 2009

The CWB is making it easier for farmers to keep an eye on the weather. A new package of WeatherBug® equipment and services, designed specifically for agricultural use in Western Canada, has been introduced for spring 2009. It includes features that are more convenient for busy producers and improve network data collection at the same time.

Source: Canadian Wheat Board

U.S. Wheat Associates Wheat Letter

April 2, 2009

In This Issue:
1. State Reports on Crop and Pre-Plant Conditions
2. USDA Planting Intentions Report Confirms Planted Area Decline
3. Two Join USW/Cairo
4. Former Wheat Grower, NAWG President Nominated to Key FAS Post
5. U.S. Wheat Industry Supports Increased Trade with Cuba
6. CSIRO Plans Limited Release of GM Wheat Varieties
7. Strong Political Support for Market Development
8. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates

Cont'd..............................................

The Bulletin

March 30, 2009

The first CWB grain shipment of the Great Lakes season is loading today at Thunder Bay with 28 000 tonnes of Canada Western Red Spring wheat bound for Port Cartier, Quebec and on to Europe. The St. Lawrence Seaway officially opens tomorrow (March 31) and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cold weather has delayed the Seaway opening by about one week later than average.

Source: Canadian Wheat Board

Cont'd.................................................

Global wheat production to be a record in 2008-09

March 27, 2009

World wheat production is projected to reach a record 688 million tonnes in 2008-09, marking a 13 per cent increase over the previous year on the back higher estimated produce in Australia, a UK-based trade body said. An increased estimate for Australia, the world's fourth largest wheat exporter, raises global wheat production estimate for 2008-09 to a record 688 million tonnes, compared to 609 million tonnes in 2007-08, International Grains Council (IGC) said in its latest grain market report.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd....................................................

U.S. Wheat Associate Wheat Letter

March 19, 2009

In This Issue:
1. Soybeans Poised to Win 2009 Battle for Acres
2. Just One Day Closer to Rain
3. Price Decline Makes U.S. Wheat an Exceptional Value
4. Board Team Sees Strong Partnerships in Africa
5. Why the Direct Payment Safety Net Matters
6. Stoskopfs Recognized as “Master” Kansas Farm Couple
7. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates

3 JAPAN MILLERS TO CUT PRICES OF COMMERCIAL-USE FLOUR BY NEARLY 10%

March 17, 2009

Three major flour milling companies are poised to lower flour prices as early as the beginning of May after the government cuts prices on imported wheat varieties by an average of 14.8 per cent in April.

Source: World-Grain

Australia Poised to ramp up wheat exports to Iraq

March 16, 2009

The ramping up of wheat exports to Iraq is a boon for Australian agriculture, the federal government says. On Thursday, during a meeting between Trade Minister Simon Crean and his Iraqi counterpart Abdul-Falah Al-Sudani in Canberra, Baghdad flagged it may soon take up to one million tonnes of Australian wheat.

Source: World-Grain

Egypt's wheat consumption, imports expected to increase

March 16, 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) recently released a report on Egypt's grain market, which noted that Egypt continues to have one of the highest wheat per capita consumption levels in the world.

Source: World-Grain

Canadian Wheat Board Bulletin

March 16, 2009

At a glance

Wheat is moving from western Canadian farms to ports at record-high rates this winter. For each month since October, total CWB exports have exceeded the 10-year average. Exports from Vancouver and Prince Rupert during February were the highest in nine years at just over a million tonnes, well above the 10-year average of 778 000 tonnes.

Source: Canadian Wheat Board

Cont'd.................................

U.S. Wheat Associate Wheat Letter

March 5, 2009

In This Issue:
1. USW Announces New Staff Assignments
2. Majority of U.S. Wheat Producers Approve Biotech Petition
3. Momentum Building for Change in U.S.-Cuba Trade Relations
4. 2009 USDA Outlook Forum’s Focus on Wheat
5. U.S. Commodity Organizations: Farm Bill Safety Net is Important
6. USTR Releases Obama’s Trade Policy Agenda
7. Weather Remains a Concern in U.S. Wheat
8. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S. Wheat Assoacites

Inflation down, but high food prices to continue

March 3, 2009

South Africa's food price inflation has declined to 16.1 percent, but higher food prices are likely to continue due to drought and the food security threat faced by SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries as well as Zimbabwe's socio-economic crisis. The National Agricultural Marketing Council's latest food price survey revealed that food price inflation had slowed by 1 percent from 17.1 percent in December 2008.

Source: World-Grain

Average price of wheat falls to $5.73 in February

March 3, 2009

The preliminary national average price received by famers for all wheat in February was $5.73 per bushel, down 48¢ from $6.21 in January and down $4.37 from the February 2008 average of $10.10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in its latest Agricultural Prices report.

Source: World-Grain

U.S., global rice trade projected to grow

March 3, 2009

Food use of rice in the U.S. is expected to expand over the next decade, while U.S. rice exports increase and global trade in the grain is projected to grow, according to 10-year projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd...................................

U.S. agriculture a growth industry

March 2, 2009

The long-term fundamentals are still in place for strong growth in global demand for food, which can only be met by open world trade and expanding U.S. exports.

Source: World-Grain

Buhler to host Grain Forum at IPACK-IMA

February 26, 2009

At IPACK-IMA 2009 in Milan, Italy, Buhler will be hosting a Grain Forum on March 25 from 2 pm to 5 pm and on March 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will be held in on the ground floor of the Congress Hall in the Gemini room.

The forum will be held in English, with simultaneous translation in Italian available, and it will cover three general areas.

Source: World-Grain

ADM outlines growth agenda at CAGNY conference

February 18, 2009

Spokespeople for global agricultural processor Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) outlined on Feb. 18 a three-part growth strategy aimed at expanding capacity, product value, and geographic reach.

Source: World-Grain

Opportunities for U.S. wheat emerge in Brazil

February 17, 2009

The U.S. is a leading candidate to export wheat to Brazil, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on Feb. 17.

Source: World-Grain

Expansion of corn-based ethanol production will slow

February 13, 2009

Corn will remain the major feedstock used in ethanol production, although expansion of corn-based ethanol production will slow, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report released on Feb. 13.

Source: World-Grain

U.S. wheat flour production dips in 2008

February 13, 2009

U.S. wheat flour production dropped slightly in 2008, with flour output falling less than 1% from the previous year, according to data issued Feb. 13 by the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Source: World-Grain

K-State organizes extrusion processing seminar

February 12, 2009

The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University (KSU), in association with Wenger Manufacturing and American Soybean Association-International Marketing, is organizing a one-day short course on extrusion processing on March 7 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, India.

Source: World-Grain

U.S. Grains Council generates $659 million for U.S. farmers

February 12, 2009

U.S. Grains Council members heard on Feb. 10 at the 6th International Marketing Conference and 49th Annual Membership Meeting in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the financial value of the Council to U.S. farmers.

Source: World-Grain

Ambassador says Guatemala major market for U.S. grains

February 11, 2009

U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Stephen G. McFarland on Feb. 10 spoke of the important trade relationship between the United States and Guatemala to more than 200 U.S. farmers and agribusiness representatives at the U.S. Grains Council's 6th International Marketing Conference and 49th Annual Membership Meeting in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd.................................

USDA set to release 10-year projections

February 10, 2009

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release new 10-year agricultural projections on Feb. 12.

Source: World-Grain

U.S Wheat Associates Wheat Letter

February 9, 2009

In This Issue:

1. Customers Inform Wheat Quality Improvement Team
2. Strengthening U.S. Dollar Not a Fundamental Cause of Export Demand Drop
3. Monitor Crop Conditions on the Web
4. Protectionism Taking Hits
5. U.S. Wheat Associates Announces Calendar Photo Contest
6. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S Wheat Associates

Cont'd.............................

CBOT amends proposal to limit ag receipts

February 9, 2009

The Chicago Board of Trade on Monday said it amended its rule change to limit cash grain delivery instruments held by non-grain firms, its latest efforts to quell industry criticism for its long-time benchmark wheat contract.

The proposal, which has yet to receive regulatory approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, would give non-grain firms another four months to reduce their soyoil delivery instruments and clarify reporting rules for commercial entities.

Source: Reuters

CBOT amends proposal to limit ag receipts

February 9, 2009

Source: Reuters

Cont'd.............................

Forecast for grain exports gloomy for year ahead

February 6, 2009

The Russian State Statistical Service, or Rosstat, recently reported that big carryover stocks of grain by the end of fiscal year 2008 could become a serious restriction on the country's grain production in 2009.

Rosstat reported that the total grain crop in 2008 was 108.1 million tonnes, including 63.7 million tonnes of wheat, which was 59% percent of the total grain; 23.1 million tonnes of barley; 6.6 million tonnes of corn (maize); 5.8 million tonnes of oats; 4.5 million tonnes of rye; and 4.2 million tonnes of other grains and legumes.

Source: World-Grain

Cont'd.............................

Banks to fund flour mills for buying indigenous wheat

Janaury 31, 2009

To ensure participation of private sector in wheat procurement during 2008-09 season, it has been decided that banks will continue to provide financing to eligible borrowers for procuring indigenous and fresh wheat.

Only the licensed and functional flour mills would be considered eligible borrowers under this scheme. Fresh financing will be available to them at minimum 10 per cent cash margin of the value of wheat stocks.

The disbursement of the financing would begin with the start of wheat procurement season 2008-09 in each respective province and will not be available after June 30, 2009. These loans will be repayable on or before January 31, 2010.

Source: The International News

Buhler continues its growth

January 27, 2009

The Buhler Technology Group announced on Jan. 23 that during fiscal 2008 its order bookings rose by 3% to CHF 1.891 billion ($1.655 billion) from CHF 1.838 billion. The company’s sales rose 7% to CHF 1.893 billion from CHF 1.773 billion last year.

Buhler said its operating profit increased at an above-proportional rate.

Buhler noted its core business units focusing on the supply of products for staple foods processing developed as expected across the entire year. However, individual units were faced with a weaker business environment in the fourth quarter. In particular, demand for die casting solutions dropped sharply due to the slump in the automotive industry.

But in all, this decline was offset by the growth achieved in the other divisions. The diversified portfolio in the group’s food and non-food units and its broad geographical basis therefore once again proved to be a major strategic advantage.

Source: World-Grain

Canadian wheat flour showcased in China

January 26, 2009

The Chinese New Year will be celebrated in Beijing, China on Jan. 26 with dumplings made from 100% western Canadian wheat flour.

Under a unique CWB branding initiative in China, flour milled on the prairies from Canada Western Red Spring wheat is being showcased in a new high-end product by the Guchuan Food Company, official supplier to the 2008 Olympics Games. A small volume of flour was shipped in several ocean-vessel containers for use in this pilot project, designed to appeal to a growing market sector of affluent Chinese consumers.

Source: World-Grain

U.S Wheat Associates Wheat Letter

January 23, 2009

In This Issue:

1. Winter Wheat Planting Down; Ending Stocks Up
2. Food for Progress Contributes $93 Million in Wheat to Countries in Need
3. In Praise of Commercial Diplomacy
4. USW Submits Trade Policy Priorities to USTR
5. USW/Mexico City Welcomes Technical Specialist
6. Wheat Industry News

Source: U.S Wheat Associates

Buhler installs Portalino Combi at Sri Lanka mill

January 15, 2009

Buhler announced on Jan. 14 that a new Portalino Combi is in operation in China Bay, the Port of Trin-comalee, Sri Lanka. The loading capacity of the Portalino Combi is 250 tph for bran pellets and 300 tph for wheat, and the unloading capacity is 300 tph for grain.

Source: World-Grain

Rice millers aghast at govt plan to put stockpiles up for bid

January 10, 2009

The Thai Rice Millers Association opposes the Commerce Ministry's plan to open its warehouses to rice bidding, saying the release of hug

e rice stockpiles would affect the market price.

Domestic rice prices have recently risen for the first time since continuously dropping last year. White paddy rice is up Bt1,500 a tonne to Bt11,000, while jasmine rice has increased Bt2,000 a tonne to between Bt14,000 and Bt15,000.

As of Wednesday, the export price for 100-per-cent white rice had increased to US$590 per tonne (Bt20,600), from $585 last year, while jasmine rice had risen from $837 per tonne to $854 during the same period.

Source:The Nation Business