Black Sea Attacks Raise Global Grain Supply Concerns

The Black Sea is a major export route for wheat, corn, and other agricultural commodities. Recent attacks, however, are disrupting exports from Russia and Ukraine.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Escalating attacks on ports and shipping infrastructure in the Black Sea region are raising concerns about global grain supplies and could provide some support for U.S. growers.

The Black Sea is a major export route for wheat, corn and other agricultural commodities. Recent attacks, however, are disrupting exports from Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine reports nearly 70 strikes on port facilities and dozens of attacks on ships since last month. The country now expects to export about 29.6 million metric tons of agricultural products this marketing year, which is less than half of earlier forecasts.

Tighter Black Sea supplies could support U.S. wheat prices, while adding another layer of uncertainty to global grain markets.

Related Stories
Wheat inspections climbed 24 percent for the week as corn remained above year-ago levels.
Higher production and exports continue providing an important source of demand for U.S. corn.
USDA reports higher corn use for ethanol and increased soybean processing compared with last year.
Veteran and independent trucker Lewie Pugh explains how the Freedom Haulers Initiative aims to help military veterans transition into civilian trucking careers.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The initiative can also introduce U.S. wheat to new potential customers, creating relationships that may continue even after food aid programs end.
Fordyce said the meetings give producers an opportunity to communicate directly with USDA officials about issues affecting their operations.
Kansas, North Dakota, and Nebraska are states where H-2A wage rates are increasing by roughly 20 percent in some cases.
Heather Ramsey says farmers cannot control how outside market participants react to government reports, but they can control their own marketing strategies.
The Big Grass Fire started in southeastern Oregon before spreading into southwestern Idaho.
For agriculture and rural businesses, the report showed higher margins in lawn, garden, and farm equipment and supplies retailing, while freight prices fell.