What usually happens to U.S./Canadian grain weather with unprecedented California winter rain and snowfall?
Looking at the best snowfall and winter ski seasons out west
When were Argentina’s worst soybean droughts?
Weakening La Niña events that had a negative PDO
Bringing it all together: What these three studies may portend for agricultural and natural gas commodities this spring/summer
How Russia’s war on Ukraine and the worsening drought in Kansas have helped wheat price spreads soar
WeatherWealth Trade Ideas (bottom of the report)
Introduction:
In the weeks and months ahead I will be updating my longer-term view regarding spring and summer global weather (fall and winter in Australia). I will also try to forge ahead with investment views for various commodities.
This report focuses on how I predict long-range weather and some of my early opinions. I present four different studies, which I studied all of last week. In addition, I use our proprietary in-house analytic weather tool, Climatepredict.com, which I query in order to verify these studies, once it updates in early April, May and June.
Currently, it is KC July wheat that has the most potential in grains due to the drought. I also am leaning towards a bearish summer view for new crop corn and soybeans, in which prices could collapse 15-30% by July and August.
It is possible corn and soybeans are oversold , but the huge Brazil soybean crop created a massive spiral down in prices, given the record long position in soybean meal.
Video about Atmospheric Rivers?
Click on the youtube video below
study #1
The 1952 California flood: one of the most significant floods in California’s history, caused by a series of storms that hit the state between December 1951 and January 1952. It resulted in over 20 inches of rainfall in some areas.
The 1969 Southern California floods: a series of storms that hit Southern California in January and February 1969, causing significant flooding and mudslides. It resulted in over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas.
The 1986 California floods: a series of storms that hit California in February and March 1986, causing severe flooding and landslides throughout the state. It resulted in over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas.
The 1995 California floods: a series of storms that hit California in January and February 1995, causing significant flooding and mudslides. It resulted in over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas.
The 2017 California floods: a series of storms that hit California in January and February 2017, causing severe flooding and mudslides throughout the state. It resulted in over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas.
What usually happens to U.S./Canadian grain weather with unprecedented California winter rain and snowfall?
Study #1: Looking strictly at the wettest winters ever in California (shown above).
This study provides an analysis of the current state of the Plains wheat market, revealing that the prevailing drought conditions would subside during the spring season. This development would have an anticipated to have a bearish impact on the wheat market. Additionally, the study suggests that the upcoming summer weather may exhibit mixed trends for corn and soybean, with occasional bullish indicators. Furthermore, the research findings indicate that the natural gas market may experience slightly elevated temperatures during the summer season.
Looking at the best ski seasons out west
Study #2: This study portends continued dryness for Plains wheat, but a good summer for corn and soybean crops.
Just based on the heaviest winter snows out west and the best ski seasons, the two maps above illustrate July rainfall and temperatures. Generally, it points to a bearish July outlook for corn with cool wet weather over much of the Midwest
When were Argentina’s worst soybean droughts?
Study #3—This study looks strictly at the worst Argentina droughts. This year (2022-23) was actually the worst soybean drought in the last 50 years.
This study illustrates the likelihood for the Plains drought to continue. Most Argentina droughts did have Midwest summer corn and/or soybean weather problems, as shown below. However, a lot will depend on the timing of whether El Niño develops or not.
Source: Jim Roemer (CHAT GTP)
Weakening La Nina events that had a -PDO.
Study #4: Weakening La Niña events and the negative PDO
La Niña, El Niño, and the PDO in the northern Pacific have huge impacts on spring and summer weather for commodities. I will discuss more of this in due time. Currently, three years were the most similar to today, regardless if there were atmospheric rivers and a big western ski season, or not.
Out of these three years (1979,2009 and 2012), March of 2009 and 2012 had similar weakening La Niña events. In fact, like today, 2012 was the third consecutive year of La Niña–something that has only happened three other times since 1950.
Notice the difference in the weather patterns for summer grains. On the left, a wet and cool Midwest summer (blue) and sharply lower corn and soybean prices. On the right, is the infamous corn belt summer drought and heat wave.
June to August rainfall: Bearish (left) 2009 & bullish (right) 2012 Midwest drought
Hence, these are two different scenarios for summer grain production.
Bringing it all together: What these four studies may portend
Identifying the most reliable study for predicting long-range weather patterns is a complex task. The potential impact of a warming climate on weather patterns makes it difficult to accurately predict future trends based solely on analog years. However, by analyzing available data, we can discern general indications regarding long-range weather. Therefore, the question of the most reliable study for predicting long-range weather remains a challenging and multi-faceted issue. I will have more details soon.
However, it appears to me that 2009 might be the closet analog, with respect to: a) A drought in Argentina; b) A good ski season out west; c) Several big California winter storms (nothing like today); d) A weakening La Niña and a negative PDO in the Pacific. I will discuss many commodities and my longer-term view soon
How global weather and Russia’s war on Ukraine are affecting wheat spreads
The news regarding Russian grain export manipulation, coupled with the challenge of monitoring global weather patterns, poses a significant challenge to market analysts. The upcoming season will require close monitoring of weather conditions in both Europe and Russia, which adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate task of forecasting grain markets. Despite these challenges, it is my professional opinion that the market is poised for a bullish trend in KC wheat.
This spread has already soared to record levels. KC wheat is now about $1.40 above Chicago wheat.
WEATHERWEALTH TRADE IDEAS
I am more concerned about the global economy and the banking system. It is my belief that global government actions to shore up bank problems are just a band-aid. With that said, potentially bearish outside markets and most of my studies above about decent corn/soybean belt summer weather should be bearish grains, longer term.
While I do not claim to be an economist, the table above is worrisome. What happens with the economy, various items regarding Russian grain exports (or not), plus the U.S. dollar (and, of course, weather) will have a big impact on commodities.
Stay tuned as we get into the Northern Hemisphere planting season.
GRAINS—Soybean prices collapse on bigger Brazil crop and improved harvest weather, while KC wheat trying to rally on Plains drought
If you read my updates last week I mentioned my more bearish attitude toward soybeans with prices some 70 cents higher than this, as well as a longer-term bearish summer view for December corn.
Unfortunately, I caught wind of the new weather problems for Indian wheat (not just the Plains drought) on Thursday. WeatherWealth is usually sent out twice a week and before that.
In addition, Russia may cut off wheat exports again. Earlier last week, I mentioned NOT to be short wheat and did advise premium clients about my more bullish attitude in KC July wheat.
Two to three weeks ago, I advised to take decent profits on short wheat positions. At this point, given the political uncertainty in Russia and the fact that they can make announcements about grain exports (or not) at any moment causing huge moves in wheat futures, it is risky to trade grains.
Two weeks ago, traders may have liquidated short July KC wheat with at least a $2,000-$3,000/contract profit and were stopped out of long May soybeans at $14.90 with about a $400 loss. My bias is bullish KC July wheat, especially if we see some sort of 10-20 cent price break.
I also mentioned a potential longer-term bearish attitude in the new crop December corn a few weeks ago and prices collapsed. I think the odds would favor $11 Nov beans at the end of the summer and possibly $4.00 Dec. corn. However, the growing season has not even started yet and there could be many important trading opportunities in the months ahead.
NATURAL GAS—Slightly colder than normal late winter, but huge global supplies and warm European winter continue to pressure prices
Around $2.50, I advised having a break-even stop a few weeks ago on any long ETF (UNG/BOIL) or mini-futures contract. On the colder than normal late winter, I did recommend more than a month ago, selling the April for $2.50 put option for 22 cents ($2,200 a contract).
The short $2.50 April put expires shortly and, as of this writing, traders who did this may be out about $800-$1,300 a contract. Following several successful big trades, (earlier this winter or last fall), short call options, mini futures, or the inverse ETF (KOLD) in the last month or so we have had some small losing trades from the long side. My confidence is low in this market, but I expect a major short covering rally deeper into spring and ahead of summer.
COFFEE—Following the outside markets and bidding time with respect to 2023 global coffee weather and production
Traders have been in a July option strangle for 1-2 months (The short July $2.10 call and short the July $1.50 put). This trade is ahead about $1000
COCOA-–Other factors other than weather driving this market
Tight supplies and the worries over a lack of fertilizers for farmers have helped prices soar. We did not participate in this 20% rally the last few months in the ETN (NIB) or long futures because the weather is generally beneficial in west Africa.
On the first day of March, I advised selling May or July cocoa for around $2,800; at one point this trade was up $1,500 a contract. When trading, always put trailing stops in. Look how cocoa got below the trend line on improving West African weather but then came back above it (star). This is where one could have put trailing stops to preserve profits. However, I basically mentioned risking a break-even stop, last week.
El Niño talk, strong chocolate demand ahead of Easter, and very tight nearby stocks helped cocoa prices soar again last week.
SUGAR—Strong seasonal factors for lower April prices. Whether El Niño forms this summer or autumn could have huge price implications.
Given the collapse in crude oil and the potential for global sugar production in 2023 to reach 180.4 MMT (a record), I am surprised that this market has not begun a downtrend.
Two months ago, I expressed my concern about a lower 2022 Indian crop, due to a delayed reaction to a combination of summer and fall droughts and floods. Nevertheless, my focus has been so much on the coffee, nat gas, and grain market that I really did not come out with any investment strategy.
Notice my Weather Spider a week ago. The economics are bearish (-2) due to lower crude prices and the dollar. Why is the moisture index bearish (good harvest weather for Brazil sugar) vs. my bullish (+2) for global crops? The lower Indian and European crop from 2022 has tightened nearby supplies helping prices rally.
Until we get into the 2023 growing season in Europe, Brazil and India, I am not following this market much. If the 2009 analog year I discussed above occurs, this could cause world weather problems for sugar, later. For now, my recent bias was to sell rallies in July sugar with low-moderate confidence.
Introduction: Video about the Pineapple Express, La Niña, and the record-warm weather
History of the cattle industry and how the Plains drought has created a major bull market
Why the bear market in coffee has resumed
The historic collapse in winter natural gas prices
Argentina drought regaining market attention
Weather Wealth Trade Ideas (always bottom of my reports)
Introduction: Watch the Video
History of the cattle industry and Plains drought
The growth of the cattle industry in the United States in the nineteenth century was due to the young nation’s abundant land, wide-open spaces, and rapid development of railroad lines to transport the beef from western ranches to population centers in the Midwest and the East Coast.
The Europeans who first settled in America at the end of the 15th century brought longhorn cattle with them. By the early 19th-century cattle ranches were common in Mexico. At that time Mexico included what was to become Texas. The longhorn cattle were kept on an open range, looked after by cowboys called vaqueros.
In 1836, Texas became independent, and the Mexicans left, leaving their cattle behind. Texan farmers claimed the cattle and set up their own ranches. The beef was not popular so the animals were used for their skins and tallows. In the 1850s, beef began to be more popular and its price rose to make some ranchers quite wealthy.
Post-Civil War cattle drives from Texas north to railroad depots in Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado were a necessary part of the American economy in the late 19th century. The nation’s growing demand for beef, coupled with the concentration of beef cattle in Texas, led that state’s ranchers to organize cattle drives to bring herds north to railheads so they could be shipped to slaughterhouses in Chicago and other cities.
The United States was the largest producer of beef in the world in 2022 followed by Brazil and China. The United States, Brazil, and China accounted for roughly 51% of the world’s beef production. The United States accounted for roughly 21% of the world’s beef production in 2022.
Plains drought and recent cattle on feed report bullish but the market has already seen a stellar rally
The most recent USDA Cattle on Feed report confirmed the cattle herd is continuing to shrink, and high beef prices will likely be with consumers for some time.
Cattle in feedlots came in at 98% of a year ago. High input costs and, more importantly, persistent drought conditions in the western half of the United States are a one-two punch that cow calves and backgrounders have experienced.
The most weighted variable to feed costs is the weather. In most years, weather determines if a bumper crop is to be had or if supplies will be limited and potentially rationed.
High input costs are impacting the marketing and processing of cattle. The drought had a significant impact on pasture and rangeland this summer, especially in the West and the Southern Plains. When drought causes pasture conditions to decline, heifers (female cattle that have not borne a calf) that would typically be kept as breeding replacements are instead placed into feedlots for eventual slaughter. High input costs have been another obstacle to farm profitability and have incentivized cattle producers to market more cattle.
Seasonality and technical picture for cattle prices
I have so many other markets to follow, I really have not advised even once in this market. One can see on the longer-term price chart (third image below, second chart) how prices clearly broke above resistance last summer in late 2021 as cattle supplies began being affected by a multi-year drought.
Cattle prices by late January have rallied in 13 of the last 15 years into mid-February.
Conclusion: While I have no specific advice in the cattle market I feel that July KC wheat prices may have bottomed for now given the drought in the Plains, the recent freeze 2 weeks ago, and this big-time warmth you see (map to the right)
Drought worsening for Plains wheat as La Niña holds on, for now. Notice the extreme warmth the next 2 weeks
Why the bear market in coffee prices has resumed
The weaker Brazil Real, improved crop weather, and warm global weather pressured coffee prices again last week. Remember, warm winter weather reduces global coffee demand.
Argentina drought regaining market attention in soybeans
This is a critical time for Argentina’s corn pollination and for the early stages of soybean development in Brazil. You can see the extreme dryness and temps this week close to 40 degrees C (100 F) creating some excitement again in the grain market.
While a long way off (10 days or so from now), most models are increasing rainfall for the drought areas. Will this only be temporary? Stay tuned. Right now, corn and soybean crop prospects are falling sharply in Argentina and far southern Brazil.
The historic collapse in winter natural gas prices
We already had the huge price break in natural gas prices I was expecting due to record-warm European weather and the warm late December and early January in the U.S.
The return of cooling over the stratospheric, combined with a warming planet and oceans for years retreated the polar vortex far to the north and helped pressure natural gas some 50% in less than three weeks.
This was our best call of the winter– (see the blue-cooling stratosphere). This helped to retreat the Polar Vortex following the historic Buffalo (NY) blizzard. Natural gas prices were trading close to $7, two-three weeks ago before this major collapse I predicted. However, honestly, while I have been bearish, I was surprised to see prices fall below $4.
As we get deeper into January and early February it is possible that a slightly colder weather pattern will return for the Midwest and/or Northeast U.S. This is due in part to the movement of the MJO.
However, look how warm it looks first in the next 2 weeks. Some of this has already been built into the collapse of natural gas prices.
WEATHER WEALTH TRADE IDEAS
I will have my popular weather Spiders by Thursday a.m. I will likely raise natural gas from very bearish to neutral; my wheat Spider (KC wheat) was raised (see below) to slightly to modestly bullish; my coffee spider is bearish, and my corn and soybean spider is really unsure (neutral) due to possible rains later this month in Argentina and worries over the demand side of the equation and a big Brazilian soybean crop
FUTURES:
Long March corn from $6.54 on the Argentina drought from 2-3 weeks ago. The trade was up $1,000 a contract at one point and is now about even. Stop at $6.46 ($400 risk) ( confidence low-moderate)
Buy July KC wheat on the Plains drought and recent freeze and my weather spider in the video. Risk 20 cents ($1,000 a contract) (confidence moderate to high)
Long March soybeans and short November soybeans from last Tuesday (see last week’s reports) on the Argentina drought and seasonals, while November beans may lag due to an expected increase in 2023 Midwest acreage and the potential for wetter spring or summer Midwest weather. This trade is out $300 a contract before the opening Sunday night. Risk $1,000 on this trade. (confidence low to moderate). I frankly feel with a potential big soybean crop in Brazil and the chances for late January rains, there may actually be a shorting opportunity within a week or two. I am unsure about being in this spread for now.
OPTIONS:
Been short the March $1.80 coffee call for 1-2 months from 350-600 points and is now ahead $800-$1600 a contract. This is on top of at least two other option strangle or short call trades late last summer and early fall that potentially made you at least $2000-$3500 a contract, as well. (confidence high)
Been short the February $7,$8, and $10 calls for the last 2-3 weeks with nice profits again of anywhere from $1500-$3500 a contract. These short calls will expire worthless and be my 4 consecutive winning options trade in natural gas since late last summer. Stay tuned, I want to think about another trade in March options, but the market is quite oversold right now per my Spider in my video above. (confidence has been very high for 2-3 weeks, but I like taking profits on all short positions and waiting, for now)
ETFs/ETNs:
Took huge profits of 45-70% short the natural gas ETF (KOLD) last week. (confidence was very high the last few weeks)
Long the all grain ETF (TAGS) from two weeks ago and this trade is about even or down slightly. (confidence low to moderate)
Traders can buy the wheat ETF (WEAT) (confidence moderate to high)
The Antarctic Oscillation Index (AAO Index) describes the difference in sea level pressure between the South Pole and the southern mid-latitudes. When the AAO is positive, a large cold pool of air sits near the South Pole. This is similar in winter to a +AOI (Arctic Oscillation Index). When this happens, a warm winter materializes.
I am not saying the AO index will be positive this winter, by any means. However, the +AAO is one reason why the best rains in weeks will be hitting Argentina over the next few days. This is a major reason for the sell-off in corn and soybeans on Thursday. The U.S. dollar crashing on Friday on a slight reduction in inflation would normally have supported grain prices. Well…it did.
Source: NASA.
Source: Jim Roemer and StormVista.
What Does This All Mean for South America?
The drought in Argentina has been severe in cutting wheat production. While corn planting has been hurt, it is really not until December-February that South American yields could be adversely affected. Think of it like the June-August time frame for the important pollination and pod-setting stages for Midwest corn and soybeans.
Anyway, La Niña does, in fact, result in below-normal Argentine crop production some 70% of the time. For Brazil, the correlation is more mixed. Presently, things could not be better for the northern and central soybean-growing areas of Brazil with a ton of rain in the last month or two. This is the main reason that coffee prices collapsed by 25%.
From my program www.climatepredict.com (Feel free to play around with it), we can see the impacts of a positive AAO index. A positive AAO index, when coupled with La Niña, brings big-time November rains to northern Brazil’s soybean areas and key parts of Argentina. That is what will be happening during the next few days (important Argentina rains).
One of my favorite analogs all year long that had a western corn belt drought, wet Australian weather, and many other global similarities is 1954. We must keep in mind, however, that a warming planet and Brazilian rainforest deforestation make using any analog year prior to 2000 very suspect and often unreliable. Nevertheless, we can still look at some general weather trends.
Analog Years
For example, here are all the analog years since 1950 that had a La Niña event and positive AAO index in November:
Of these years, 7 of 10 cases had a dry December-January for Argentina’s corn, but mixed results for central and northern Brazil. Hence, Argentine corn and soybean production should fall below the trend line over the next few months.
The Midwest grain harvest is almost over and the U.S. dollar is weakening again. This could be a bullish factor for grains deeper into winter (South American summer).
Grain traders will be watching South America very closely for any bullish La Niña signals after the rains end. But… Why have wheat prices been in a downtrend recently?
After all, the Argentina crop was hurt by drought. The Plains is seeing the worst early-season crop conditions in 20 years and Australia’s wheat crop may be downgraded next month due to torrential rains. One can see all the problem areas on the global map, below:
The reasons for the down-trend in wheat are:
1) The Russian wheat crop will likely be even bigger than the USDA estimate.
2) The Ukraine export corridor was re-opened this week following all the crazy Russia-Ukraine geopolitics.
3) Even in the face of flooding rains, the USDA raised the Australian crop this week.
4) Wheat “has 9 lives” and the Plains drought could weaken next spring as La Niña begins to weaken.
5) Normally, trading northern Hemisphere wheat weather in the winter is not recommended.
CONCLUSION
Trading the grain market right now is difficult because of various factors, both weather-related and geopolitical. Not until December-February will South American weather play much more of a role in corn and soybean price action.
Nevertheless, the positive AAO/La Niña climatic correlation could set corn and soybean markets on fire in a month or so. However, in the short term, big-time rains will hit Argentina in the next few days.
For wheat, the weather will be a major factor between March and July.
We invite you to look at the different services we provide to farmers, novice and experienced commodity traders around the world, as well as our track record here:
The historic volatility in natural gas continues. Last Friday, I told WeatherWealth clients about a major change in the weather pattern with a potential colder than normal late November and December. Natural gas prices proceeded to rally $1.00 from last Thursday’s lows and bearish EIA number to this Monday’s highs ($7.22) based on other firms changing their weather forecast.
This video describes both La Nina and what we call a “negative Eastern Pacific Oscillation Index. The combination of these two climatic variables working together can produce a cold, early winter. Why then did natural gas prices pretty much give everything back in one day? Incredible.
Four Reasons for Natural Gas Moves
Here are the reasons I felt that natural gas (UNG) prices ran up too much, too quickly in the face of changing weather forecasts. After all, we had a near-record warm fall (globally) that has hurt natural gas demand. In addition, the main LNG export terminal in Freeport, Texas has been down for months.
1)Natural gas prices above $5-$6 this time of the year is very unusual as U.S. production continues to grow.
2) While the LNG export terminal will reopen soon, the weather forecast is warm for Europe. Hence, we need to see sustained cold weather, not just here in the U.S. but in Europe to help demand.
3) The weather last week was very warm across the United States and near-record temperatures this week. While potential colder late November and December weather could well occur, the natural gas market was anticipating another bearish EIA report this Thursday.
4) The European forecast models suggest that after just a week or so of U.S. cold, it will warm up again.
The European Model warms things up after Dec. 6 (red=warmer than normal). Source: Stormvista.com
Conclusion
So what to do in the natural gas market currently?
Based on extraordinary natural gas and weather volatility, using certain option positions is the way to go in this market. This is something we advised quite successfully in several commodity markets over the last few months.
Feel free to take a complimentary trial of our twice-weekly weather-commodity newsletter (Weather Wealth) and see this and many other reports. You can also learn how you can mimic our trade ideas in a new program called AutoTrade. All the information is here:
Regarding trading right now: patience, patience, patience in the midst of global economic uncertainty, bearish chart patterns in some commodities, a stronger dollar, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and mixed weather signals.
The next big questions I will be answering for traders are:
1) Will the Plains states drought continue into next spring and impact winter wheat?
2) How serious will the flooding be that may lower the Australian wheat crop?
3) When will demand worries and a stronger dollar (which has been bearish for corn) be offset by the potential for bullish corn weather in Argentina?
4) How will a change in the jetstream pattern north of Alaska bring colder late autumn weather and put the brakes on the drop in natural gas prices?
Anyway, there are two commodity trades that have been our home runs recently. They were natural gas and coffee. (Some of this is old news now. We already caught the huge move down in prices).
So… what is the best way for you to profit, whether in stocks or commodities?
Listen to what Ted Williams once said (and my comments, below.)
1) Swing within your happy zone:
Basically, this means sticking with markets and products you know best.
In my case, and recent trading advice in my newsletters (see the info and our track record here https://www.bestweatherinc.com/weather-profits/ ):sticking to the highest confidence trades that I know are primarily weather, this time of the year, and were subject to significant profit-taking due to too many speculative (non-commercial) long positions in the open interest of the market. Most recently, these have been short natural gas and coffee over the past few weeks. These were definitely home runs.
2) I’m no genius, I’m smart in spots and I stay around those spots:
I want to lend you my insight from 38 years of experience watching markets and how they react to the weather at “certain times of the year.”
For example, my highest confidence trades in corn and soybeans are almost always during the late spring and summer and during the north American crop season. I also like to recommend grain markets during December-February when I know traders watch South American weather very closely.
Weather is a huge factor in the natural gas market as we go into the late autumn and winter.
For markets such as coffee, the weather is a critical time (now) during the early stages of the Brazil crop cycle: usually between October and December.
That is why, a month or so ago, I went against the bullish crowd in coffee. Take a look at the great early coffee bloom in Brazil due to the rain I forecasted for the Brazil spring, three months ago.
3) Be wary of over-hyped markets:
Some of the most successful investors like Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio are looking for opportunities that others are not.
In other words, catching certain industries early before the crowd and selling into panic and greed. Here too in the case of the soaring natural gas and coffee markets on past fundamentals, it was important for me to look into the future and anticipate a “change in the fundamentals” ahead of time. This is what I do best.
Some markets have already forced out all the longs and are heavily short… natural gas is a good example of this.
CONCLUSION:
Having patience right now in the midst of global economic uncertainty and various global weather fundamentals for grains, natural gas, and soft commodities is no easy task. There are some potential changes to the bearish weather in natural gas with colder late November weather, while the Argentina drought may grow for the corn market. Floods in Australia and the Plains drought are all potential bullish aspects for the wheat market, but it is important to develop longer-term trade ideas based on the third straight winter of La Niña. Feel free to download a complimentary issue of our monthly newsletter Climatelligence here https://www.bestweatherinc.com/climatelligence-newsletter/ and to read about some of our feelings.
If you like it and want to subscribe for a year, my December issue will discuss much more about the energy and grain market.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
India’s agriculture sector accounts for around 14% of the country’s $2.7 trillion economy and 42% of total employment.
With around 55% of India’s arable land dependent on precipitation, the amount of rainfall during the current monsoon season could sway economic activity in the agriculture sector and industries linked to it.
The current flooding in parts of central and northern India has damaged the cotton crop and dry weather is needed for the harvest season for sugar cane and rice as well. Flooding may prompt the Indian government to raise minimum support prices for all of the current season’s crops to help support farmers’ incomes.
Given the terrible drought this summer to Texas cotton and now incessant October rains hitting 30-40% of the Indian cotton crop, we can see why cotton prices in particular rallied off of key support areas late last week and on Monday.
HELPING YOU MAKE THE BEST INVESTMENT DECISIONS BASED ON THE WEATHER
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