In Ukraine, a challenging corn harvesting campaign is ongoing: nearly 21 million tons have already been harvested, but about a third of the crop still remains in the fields. The greatest delays are observed in the northern and western regions. Despite improved weather, the speed of corn reaching the market is limited.
This is reported by the analytical department of the agricultural cooperative PUSК, established within the framework of VAR.
The main reason for the limited supply is the high moisture content of the grain.
"To bring the corn to the required indicators, it is necessary to remove 10–12% of the moisture. This greatly slows down the work of the dryers. Therefore, elevators report a shortage of capacity and ask not to temporarily import new batches of grain," explain the analysts.
Spot prices remain steadily higher than forward prices and stand at $211–212 per ton. In hryvnia, the figure reaches 10,100 – 10,200 UAH/t and may continue to rise.
"We see a slow but steady upward movement. Prices may add $1–2 per ton each week," analysts believe.