We exported more wheat last year but at a lower value, according to economists

USDA data shows ag trade balance sheets are in the red with double-digit declines in the billions of dollars expected this year.

For wheat, economists explain that there is a unique situation happening.

“We see wheat exports rounded up to $2 billion, which is down 6% from the same period last year, whereas we’ve got a 6% increase by volume for last year, so we’re actually exporting more wheat, but at a lower price. So we’re seeing a negative value change over the last year,” said USDA economist Bart Kenner.

While the markets work to digest all the recent changes, some traders are following the numbers and they say they are showing a pattern.

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March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.