Global Grain South America

9:00AM INTL FCStone price risk management workshop

For more details on the agenda and how to register, please click here

8:30AM Registration desk opens

9:00AM Chairperson's opening remarks

9:15AM Global grains and oilseeds outlook: analysing key market drivers in the major producing regions

• Analysis of production volumes from key producing regions in the past year
• What will the continued increasing global consumption of animal protein mean from a demand perspective?
• Will there be enough supply to meet demand forecasts in the coming years?
• Biofuel and ethanol outlook – evaluating the impact on corn and soy demand
• Pricing outlook – what does this supply/demand balance mean for grains and oilseeds prices?

10:00AM State-by-state analysis of the Brazilian grains and oilseeds markets

• How has dry weather affected the safrinha corn crop this year?
• What impact has farmers’ hoarding of soybeans had upon the supply chain?
• Are corn prices too high for livestock farmers?
• Which crops are farmers most likely to continue investing in given price trends?

10:30AM Morning refreshments and networking breaks

11:15AM Wheat market focus: South American origination and current market dynamics

• How has supply been affected by adverse regional weather conditions?
• Staying competitive in the global wheat market – how have removal of wheat export taxes in Argentina affected companies throughout the value chain?
• Can Argentina overcome end user restrictions to supply some untapped consumer markets?
• Assessment of US wheat crop and forecast for coming season
• Can regional producers meet the continually growing domestic demand for wheat?

12:00PM Global weather outlook for grains and oilseeds production regions

• Update on El Niño and what impact it may have on global crop production
• Weather expectations for South America and growing regions
• Warp-up of the Northern Hemisphere growing season

12:30PM Networking lunch break

1:45PM Soy complex: bean, meal and oil supply and demand dynamics

• What is the current soy crushing capacity in South American countries?  Is there room for increase?
• Meal and bean demand analysis from Europe and other major importers
• How have heavy rains in Argentina affected soy production this season?
• Will Argentinian export taxes on soy products be reduced further, as promised?
• Are other crops a more attractive option in certain regions in Brazil and Argentina?

2:30PM The global macroeconomic environment and its implications for grains and oilseeds markets

• Will potential reflation of the market ease the pressure on grains prices?
• Assessing the impact of China’s economic slowdown on the grains and oilseeds market
• How does the price of the US Dollar impact the fundamentals of global commodity markets?
• Global energy demand forecasts and what this means for grains and oilseeds
• Regional geopolitical concerns and implications on cereals production and trade

3:00PM Modern agriculture: the changing face of grain origination

• What does Modern Agriculture look like, how fast is it coming and what are the implications?
• How is the ag supply chain connecting to secure a safe and sustainable food source?
• Consolidation of input distributors in Brazil and the consequences for grain origination

3:30PM Afternoon refreshments and networking break

4:00PM Brazilian logistics and infrastructure development: supplying the domestic and export markets

• New government and private sector infrastructure projects – progress and expectations
• Which regions are suffering the worst supply bottlenecks and how can these be alleviated?
• What is to become of the proposed railway connecting Mato Grosso with the South of Brazil?  Is this plan likely to come to fruition?
• How can Brazil optimise cargo use by bringing in fertilizers and other commodities as return freight?

4:45PM Examination of Chinese trade across grains, oilseeds and vegoils

• Fundamental trends in the food and feed industry
• Key factors in corn, wheat and soy balance sheets
• Review of government policies
• Implications for South America

5:15PM Changes in South American grains & oilseeds logistics

5:45PM End of day two and networking drinks reception

9:00AM Chairperson's opening remarks

9:15AM Political update within Argentina and Brazil

• What are the major policy changes affecting the grains and oilseeds industry?
• How has the market responded to these changes?
• Will the Macri government fulfil their promise to reduce soybean export tax by 5% per annum?
• Foreign investment environment – is this being encouraged by the new governments?
• What are the most pressing issues that still need to be addressed?
• How can the governments keep the agricultural sector moving forward when the general economies are stagnant or regressing?

9:45AM How do the restrictions involving acquisition or ownership of rural land by foreigners affect the Argentinean and Brazilian agribusiness sectors?

• Legal aspects involving current restrictions and related impact in the appetite of investors
• Alternatives for investments opportunities and how risky they could be from a legal perspective
• Related experiences in both Argentinean and Brazilian legal and business environments

10:15AM Actual and future efficiency of Argentine ports

• Overview of Argentine ports
• Logistical challenges with a growing volume
• What is being done to  continually improve port efficiency?

10:45AM Morning refreshments and networking break

11:15AM Corn production analysis and outlook

• Assessing South American corn production capabilities – last season’s supply and next season’s forecast
• How have producers and distributors overcome difficulties this season?
• What are the main opportunities for South American corn in the global market?

11:45AM Progress in the Paraguayan grains supply chain

• Update on soy, corn and wheat production in Paraguay
• Are government investment restrictions still a concern?  How are these being overcome?
• Infrastructure improvements – successful projects and areas in need of more attention
• Paraguayan fluvial system and new port projects in Uruguay

12:15PM What next for Black Sea grains?

• Update on production and export actual volumes and capabilities
• Which destinations are showing the most demand for Black Sea originated grains?
• What are the main challenges exporting into these markets?
• How will increased competition from other regions influence prices?