World market - Incubator

Quotes for 28.03.24: corn quotes on the CBOT (Chicago) exchange rose from the previous session by 15.25 ¢/bsh (3.57%) and amounted to 442.00 ¢/bsh (on the previous session – 426.75 ¢/bsh). Soft red winter wheat (SRW) quotes on the CBOT (Chicago) exchange rose from the previous session by 12.75 ¢/bsh (2.33%) and amounted to 560.25 ¢/bsh (on the previous session – 547.50 ¢/bsh).

All plants mediate their interaction with the environment through chemical signals. An example is the alkaloid gramine, produced by barley, one of the most widely grown cereals in the world. Gramine provides protection against herbivores and also inhibits the growth of other plants. Despite long-standing interest, the key pathway responsible for gramine formation has remained elusive. However, scientists have managed to solve the puzzle and lay the groundwork for precise tuning of this alkaloid in barley.

Among goat breeders, there are quite a lot of semi-mythical stories about how they gave their goats bread or bakery products with expired shelf life, obtained from the store, and it was a good help in winter and allegedly even helped increase milk productivity. But what is the reality? Can goats be fed bread on a regular basis? Let's figure it out, and also remember the role of baking soda in the health of horned pets.

The forecasts for sugarcane crop in Brazil are below the record due to dry weather. The crop volume will decrease to 620 million tons. The yield will decrease by 6%. The current crop forecast has been raised to 651.5 million tons due to continued sugarcane processing. The sugar production forecast for this season is 42.2 million tons, with exports at 33 million tons. In the new season, sugar production is expected to be at the level of 41.7 million tons.

The rector of South Caucasian Federal University noted that the system developed by the scientific team allows for automatic control of the microclimate in greenhouses, increasing productivity. Students have developed a resource-saving system based on IoT. The project is presented at a scientific competition. An "smart greenhouse" and a mathematical model have been created. Scientists plan to participate in the competition at Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

The leading sugar producer in Brazil plans to increase production to a record 43.1 million tons in 2024/25, focusing on sugar despite a decrease in sugarcane production. Brazil will be able to compensate for the shortage of supplies from India and Thailand. A reduction in sugarcane processing and a decrease in ethanol production in favor of sugar are expected.

World wheat prices on the exchanges in Chicago, Kansas, and Minneapolis have risen. In Russia, wheat prices have decreased, barley prices have risen, and corn prices have fallen. Twice as many spring crops have been sown as last year. TD "Rif" has suspended exports due to discrepancies. The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated additional tariff quotas. An exchange within BRICS may be established. Significant changes in grain customs duties will come into force on March 27. Belarus and Ukraine are also actively sowing spring crops. The grain market remains dynamic.

The Central Bank of Russia has decided to keep the key rate at 16% to curb inflation. It is forecasted to decrease to 4-4.5% in 2024. The price growth in February has slowed down, but inflation risks persist. The economy is growing rapidly but faces a labor shortage. The level of the key rate will be discussed at the next meeting on April 26.

Research from the Tokyo University of Science has shown that rose essential oil repels insects, protecting tomato plants from damage. The oil is an effective and safe alternative to pesticides, promoting environmentally friendly production.

Professor Jonathan Lynch is researching the depth of plant roots, which will help improve their resistance to drought. The LEADER method analyzes the chemical elements of leaves, allowing to determine the depth of roots without digging up the plants. This discovery will accelerate plant breeding and improve food production.

Quotations for 20.03.24: corn -0.50 ¢, wheat (soft) -7.50 ¢, wheat (hard) -2.25 ¢, wheat (spring) -0.75 ¢, oats -3.25 ¢, rice -0.08 usd/cwt.

JP Energy Global company has signed a contract for the supply of sugar for $617.5 million. Sugar will be supplied monthly for $47.5 million over a period of 12 months. The total planned amount is $570 million per year. An additional trial delivery will increase the annual volume to $617.5 million. The supplies will come from Brazil.