Grain prices on exchanges as of 05.02.25: Corn and wheat fell, oats rose, rough rice remained stable.

The USDA has not changed the forecast for wheat production in Russia - 83 million tons, with an expected export of 48 million tons. The forecast for corn has been reduced to 14.1 million tons, with an export of 4.2 million tons. In the EU, wheat production will be 2 million tons less. Ukraine has increased wheat exports to 14 million tons. Kazakhstan will harvest 16 million tons of wheat. The global forecast for wheat production has been increased to 798.28 million tons.

"TASS reported that the Moscow City Court is considering an appeal against the arrest of Vadim Moshkovich, the founder of the Rusagro holding. "Syngenta" has initiated a lawsuit for 999 million rubles. As part of this case, Moshkovich and Maxim Basov are also accused of causing damage to the company in the amount of 30 billion rubles."

Grain exports from Russia in 2025 have significantly increased: up to 698 thousand tons from the beginning of the year until April 22. Africa has become the largest buyer with 46% of shipments. New markets include Senegal, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Tunisia, and Libya.

Quality control of grain during export is especially important for Morocco.

A group of milling companies from South Korea has won a tender to purchase 50,000 tons of wheat from the USA. Different types of wheat were purchased at prices ranging from $230 to $270 per ton FOB. ADM may have emerged as the winner. Delivery is expected by June.

The President of the Russian Grain Union confirmed the grain harvest forecast - 125 million tons. Winter crops are in good condition, but there are risks due to a cold front. Snow will help preserve crops at temperatures below -20°C. There is not enough snow to ensure the required soil moisture level. It is planned to plant winter crops on 20 million hectares, including grains on 19.2 million hectares.

The president of the Russian Grain Union stated that due to duties and quotas, the number of companies exporting grain from Russia has decreased from 200 to 15. This situation indicates a market conspiracy. The projected grain harvest this year is estimated at 125 million tons.

Duties are being reduced due to the strengthening of the ruble, making exports unprofitable.

Bunge Global SA is leasing its North American corn and flour processing business to Grain Craft company. The deal is aimed at optimizing the portfolio and strengthening Bunge's positions in key sectors. The transfer of production assets will take place in several cities in the US and Mexico.

According to the USDA, 17 out of 18 leading states in the US have already started planting corn, with 12% of the planned area sown.

Winter wheat has been harvested from 15%, spring wheat has been planted on 17% of the planned area, with a good crop condition.

Forecast for 2025: According to the CEO of Soyuzmoloko, the production of commercial milk will remain at the level of 26.3 million tons. Two scenarios have been developed: milk prices may rise or remain at the inflation level.

By 2030, it is planned to increase production to 31.3 million tons in order to ensure food security.

In Tatarstan, sowing works have begun. 115 thousand hectares of early spring crops have been sown. The assessment of winter crops is positive. 680 thousand hectares of crops have been fertilized. Soil moisture is sufficient. Harrowing has been carried out on 1 million 470 thousand hectares.

The decrease in demand for vegetable oils and the low profitability of sunflower processing jeopardize the industry. Maltsev suggests adjusting sunflower seed prices according to market conditions to avoid potential reduction of demand and accumulation of stocks.

In the Arzgirskoye, Krasnogvardeyskoye, Ipatovsky, and Budennovsky districts, vegetables have already been planted on 309 hectares. The delivery of potatoes has been completed on 692 hectares. This year, it is planned to allocate 6.2 thousand hectares for potatoes and 3.2 thousand hectares for vegetables. State support for agriculture will amount to 63.4 million rubles, of which 11.4 million have already been allocated for seed material.

Poland is considering the possibility of purchasing or leasing a port in Odesa for grain exports. This could strengthen trade relations with Ukraine and other countries. It is believed that the Black Sea port will help save on transportation costs and benefit from grain sales. The countries are discussing the possibility of creating a joint grain port.

Salmonella infection in domestic poultry remains a serious public health issue. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a postbiotic supplement SCFP that reduces the presence of Salmonella in poultry and improves gut microbiota. The results have shown a significant decrease in the number of pathogens, which could reduce the risk of infection in humans and improve the health of poultry.