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...

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...

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...

Introduction: This report provides an overview of the important factors affecting investments in agricultural value-added ventures. The introductory section outlines current research on factors important in the location of economic activity. Research applied to specific agricultural value-added...

Introduction: This report provides an overview of the important factors affecting investments in agricultural value-added ventures. The introductory section outlines current research on factors important in the location of economic activity. Research applied to specific agricultural value-added...

In the late 1980s, grain-hauling railroads began offering alternatives that have made shipping decisions more strategic. Shippers now confront alternatives ranging from nearby and unguaranteed ordering to various durations of forward and guaranteed shipment. Each has varying penalties for...