The purpose of this study was to forecast grain and oilseed shipments through the Mississippi River system and to analyze impacts of delay costs. The focus is on the world grain trade and expected changes in response to a multitude of evolving competitive pressures and structural changes. The...

One of the impacts of higher prices along with greater volatility in futures and basis is thatthere is pressure for an escalation in cash contracting for grain. This volatility has resulted inan unprecedented level of contracting with growers in recent years. There is a wide array ofcash...

The grain trading industry has changed radically during the past two decades. This report describes these changes in detail. First, dynamics of the major fundamental changes are described. Second, the extent and nature of structural changes in the grain handling industry are analyzed. Changes in...

This article estimates factors that impact location decisions by new ethanol plants using logistic regression analysis and spatial correlation techniques. The results indicate that location decisions are impacted by the agricultural characteristics of a county, competition, and state-level...

Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Report No.49

Ethanol is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. agricultural sector. This study estimates factors that impact location decisions by new ethanol plants using logistic regression analysis and spatial correlation techniques. The results indicate that location decisions are impacted by...

The costs of delays for shipping commodities on the Mississippi River are important and adversely impact growth in shipments. Lock and dam expansion requires substantial capital investment and an extended time period to complete. This study analyzes delay costs and the competitive position of...

Marketing of specialty and identity preserved grains has become an important strategy in the grain marketing industry and is being driven, in part, by consumer and processor demand and an interest in non-GM products. This study provides background and practices of numerous organizations involved...