ISSUE FOCUS 28 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2023 “Optimal preservation strategies coupled with effective storage management are crucial to safeguarding grain quality, preventing spoilage, and maintaining crops’ nutritional value. Reducing grain loss during storage every year can support farmers’ efforts to feed a growing population.” What does the future look like for grain markets throughout the remainder of 2023? Uncertain, volatile, and unpredictable all seem accurate descriptors. As severe weather conditions threaten this year’s harvest and stocks are projected to end on lower than predicted levels, the entire feed industry must safeguard grain as much as possible through the foreseeable future. Data and market dynamics support the recommendation to safeguard grain supplies. According to ING's global wheat market report, global wheat ending stocks for 2022/2023, will be around 268 million mt, the lowest level since 2016/2017. Wheat production in Ukraine has taken a big hit as the ongoing conflict has affected not only production but the ability to export. Although the Black Sea Grain Initiative allowed for larger quantities to be exported, huge supply risks still exist. In contrast, good growing conditions in Russia suggest farmers can expect a record harvest exceeding 90 million mt. Russia’s farmers have also been able to continue exporting grain and though levels were quite low during the initial phase of the conflict, export activity has recently picked up. International demand for corn remains a big concern. Ever-changing weather conditions, especially in Argentina, are making it difficult for farmers to catch up on planting. Predictions that Brazil will achieve record production of between 125 and 130 million ton could help offset the challenges in Argentina. Concern about the current situation in Ukraine persists, as production has been very low, and delayed planting fuels the uncertainty even more. With grain availability is getting a lot of attention, quality should not be forgotten. Many quality factors are uncontrollable, especially when the crops are still on the field. Extreme weather conditions including drought and historic rainfall, create the perfect environment for microbes, especially moulds, to grow. When these moulds are put under stress, mycotoxins are formed. Aflatoxin B1 is quite prevalent at the moment and generating a lot of concern. When crops are already at elevated risk of moulds and mycotoxins, putting PRESERVE & PROTECT - WHY GRAIN PRESERVATION MATTERS Pieter Steyn Commercial Technical Manager Selko Feed Additives
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