Wednesday, March 13, 2024

In Memory of Gene Whitmer                                                                                          


When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. 


Gene was my webmaster, partner, mentor and friend


Nov 6th, 1942- 2024 (81)


Gene was born in a small town in eastern Oklahoma. He spent his youth riding back and forth to California with his parents. His father had a small farm and he would go to California to work to put together enough money to plant another wheat crop. Gene attended college at the University of Utah. After college, he signed up for the Peace Corp and was stationed in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil in the 1960’s. Gene was from the generation that listened to John F. Kennedy. “Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country”. 


After the Peace Corp, he got a job as a production manager at Johnson Wax in Rio de Janeiro. While living the good life in Rio, his draft number came up for the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Panama as a medic. He protected the “Americas” from the “Commies”, he would say with a chuckle. He took a job with the USAID and was stationed in Vietnam writing reports for the USA government and the CIA to gather intel on the situation. I think this is where Gene gave up on humanity. He would often say “We are all doomed”. He experienced so much death, suffering, deception, and “lack of a plan”. He and a buddy escaped Vietnam to Bangkok two days before the fall of Saigon. They watched it all unfold on TV while sitting in a bar in Thailand. 


Gene then took a job teaching English in Saudi Arabia. Later, he was an English professor at the University of Oklahoma. He met Zelia, Brazilian wife, and in 1986 moved to Goiania where he has lived ever since. Gene set up an office helping Brazilian students with their English. He would get them placed in USA universities. He would take great pride helping someone else succeed in life. 

Gene was a bit of a computer programmer/web designer and in the 1990’s set up a site called “Studyintl”. This worked well until Sept 11th, 2001. This is when his business started to retrograde with all the new restrictions for entry to the USA. 


Along comes Kory


I had been in Brazil for a couple years as a young father and trying to find my place. In 2005, via "Yahoo community boards”, we find one another as two gringo’s in Goiania. We would meet for drinks at Piquerias once a month and solve all the world’s problems. He was impressed with my knowledge of Brazil ag and all my adventures to date. He said, “Kory, you should start a blog”. What is a blog, I asked? 


Creativity is born out of necessity


We decided to try transfer his number one google ranked site from Studyintl to Brazilintl. We would upload content and photos of my adventures and create a Brazil “Wikipedia” for Ag. I would publish a newsletter and do tours for clients, students, journalists, and investors. 


Gene would handle all the website details and Kory would hit the road. We would meet for monthly pow-wows and butt heads on the future of the site and Brazil. He would suggest what needs to be changed, how I could improve, and where my weaknesses lie. His 30 year experience with Brazil was an invaluable resource as to how to deal with Brasilians, situations, relationships, and the culture. 


As I advanced, I could be of more and more value to new clients. I could see where they were making mistakes and advise them ahead of time assuming they would listen. 


He would often say, Kory, you are getting too comfortable. You are living the good life. Do not drop the ball here- inflation will eat you up in Brazil. You need to stay ahead of the curve, or when you least expect it, Brazil will change and eat you alive. Case in point, many of my gringo colleagues experienced this and are no longer in Brazil.


“Wealth is not an indicator of intelligence” Gene Whitmer


Gene had witnessed countless gringo stories and was an avid reader of history. He would give me his books on Brazil pioneers for my son and I to read. He would say- “just look at Henry Ford in the Amazon” or Olacyr de Moraes(Brazilian), the original soybean king in the 1970’s - he wanted to build his own railroad. Common theme, great ideas - failure to execute. I would often tell clients at the airport - “Check your ego at customs”, or Brazil will take it from you. “Stop thinking like a gringo”, you are under new house rules here. 


I look back at Gene’s 60 year arc of Brazil experience. How valuable that was to a newcomer. Gene never did anything for himself. He wanted to enjoy the good life and have the least amount of stress as possible. With that said, he would criticize newcomers to Brazil that they have no clue of what they are about to get into. 


I think back to Gene’s early Peace Corp days. This was to help developing countries with education, civil planning, health care, and indirectly keep the commies out because the USA is here to help. It was to help develop jobs and opportunities for the locals. One could say the Peace Corps had its place, but it really did not do that much. It takes the entrepreneur to take an idea to the next level. It takes venture capital to build the infrastructure. In later years, I would tell Gene: I think indirectly, you helped create thousands of jobs in Brazil. If it were not for us, the site, and the personal relationships developed- I do not think current  gringo clients, that have invested upwards of US$ 1 billion dollars in Mato Grosso in corn ethanol, would have ever happened. Corn ethanol would have likely evolved, but it would have been with different faces in different places. One needs to give those gringos credit for their ability to execute a plan. So many others before them have failed with their endeavors. I think you can take a little credit Gene that we did something good for Brazil. When you look over the span of 60 years, I think you could say we co-participated in the Brazil/Mato Grosso arc of AG history. We made a positive difference- even if it was in a small indirect way. Well done Gene. Thank you Kory- was his response.

RIP webmaster, mentor, partner and friend. 





Saturday, September 2, 2023

Behind the scenes and a new BR planting season

 Sept 2, 2023

It has been awhile since the last blog. We have been busy behind the scenes.

I have been well, but we have been dealing with family members medical issues. Earlier in the year my son's childhood intestinal colitis returned while he was at college in the USA. He had a difficult Spring and Summer trying out new meds. He seems stable at the moment and he is studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark this Fall semester. He is getting some pre-med school practical experience there. So far, he loves being there.

My Father-in-Law suffered another stroke this Summer. He has not known us for more than two years. His significant other and my wife are dealing with that. It is not easy when a parent is in their final days. 

For the most part, Brazil, USA and the markets played out as outlined earlier in the year. Brazil started out with a 153 mmt soybean crop with a two million hectare increase year over year. The final crop size is in the 154 mmt area. Brazil's full potential was probably eight million ton more than that, but Rio Grande do Sul lost about eight million from its starting point for the year. The soybean yields in the MaPiToBa region were exceptional this past year. We hear reports of 80 to 90 sacs/ha soybean yields where 50 is the norm.The past two seasons, the Northeast part of Brazil has been blessed during the "La Nina" part of the cycle. As we move into peak "El-Nino", I think we will see different results from northern Brazil. 

Second crop corn has also performed much better than earlier expectations. The 2nd crop is said to be in the 108 mmt area. Late season rains with no frost allowed the later planted corn to mature to its potential in Parana, MGDS, and Mato Grosso. Mato Grosso is now producing more corn than soybeans. The soybean crop was 46 mmt and the 2nd crop corn was 50 mmt+. This is truly mind-blowing to me as I reflect on the evolution of crop sizes over the past 23 years. I remember when the corn crop in Mato Grosso was five million tons and the corn was worth nothing. The corn was worth about one dollar per bu and that was the cost of the freight to move to where they needed it. I feel like an old grandfather telling stories about the Great Depression. " I remember when" I shipped a cow to Fargo, ND in the 1930's and the value of the cow did not pay the freight  etc  etc......

The other data point that stands out to me is that Mato Grosso is much more significant than all of Argentina. Argentina soybean crop of 20/21 mmt and a total corn crop of 32-35 mmt is quite significant in the whole scheme of things. With El-Nino now in control, I would expect Argentina and southern Brazil to return to normal production levels. Who knows, in a few months we maybe talking about flooding in Argentina. They have Presidential elections in October. Argentina is on the cusp of a long term paradigm shift for the better, however, I fear it will get worse domestically for them before it gets better. They are in the final purge. 

Soybean and corn prices in Brazil have declined significantly over the past year. Paradoxically, the Brazil farmer is set to expand planted area yet again for 2024. We are looking for 500,000 hectares more soybeans and maybe a bit more. First crop corn continues to shrink and 2nd crop corn may decline a bit in 2024 as we see more hectares of cotton and wheat. 

The USA has had its challenges in 2023. The corn and soybean crop have suffered in the 9th inning. It seems like the USA has plenty of corn no matter the final number. The soybean crop is a powder keg. If the USA comes in at the 4.1 billion bushel level, that means the USA will need to import beans again in 2024. If Brazil produces a 165mmt+ crop, she can solve the problem. All Brazil needs to do is let out a small fart and one million tons will arrive at USA ports. However, if the Super-El-Nino manifests by the end of 2023, I would think we will have echos of the 2015/2016 growing season at some point. This does not mean disaster, but it does curtail Brazil's potential to shoot the moon in 2024. The kicker is, even if Brazil loses 10 mmt in a given region, that still is a repeat of 2023 soybean production and a near record crop again. It would take a loss of >10mmt in order to grab the market's attention assuming Argentina is normal. The USA domestic market has bullish tendencies but South America can solve the problem by Spring 2024. What do we do with that?

https://www.brazilintl.com/

I thought back in February 2023 that we would see a "nut cruncher" rally in the summer of 2023. We had a three dollar rally off the May 31 low. I thought we would have a high in late August or early September. It looks like soybeans put in a high last Monday on August 27th. 

Soybean prices are likely range bound until we get a better grasp of USA yields and production potential.  A range of 13.25 to 14.25 probably defines the market. If the USA comes in at 4.2 billion bu or more, down we go. If the USA has a smaller yield, then up we go to curb demand. 

Until we see a 30 day dry spell forming in Brazil, soybeans will likely be range bound. However, any talk of early planted beans needing to be replanted because of burnout, that will grab the market's attention. I still think we have a shot at higher prices basis March and May 2024 soybeans into January and April 2024. What is the catalyst? I am not 100% sure. Could be USA production, War, demand, and/or Brazil production problems. It might be just an inflation hedge as commodities remain popular to own during these uncertain times. 

If there are good rains in Brazil in November and December, we do need to be realistic that soybean prices could crash with a 165 mmt crop on deck. A 165 mmt Brazil crop kills the bull no matter the size of USA soybean crop.  A 155 mmt Brazil crop maintains prices and the hint of a 145 mmt Brazil crop sends soybeans prices back to 17-18 dollars. The next 3 or 4 months tells the tale on the future of soybean prices. Are we headed to US$ 10.50? or US$ 17.00? or do we maintain US$ 13.50 to 14.00 until we are certain of South America saturation of the protein market once again. Given the extreme heat around the planet and the recent record high temps in Bolivia and Peru, I would say the risk is to the upside yet. I do not think the bullish story is completely over with quite yet. However, we are in the 8th or 9th inning and we have the USA harvest for the next 45 days. A "light" USA soybean crop and any 30 day dry spell in Brazil will light the fuse. How far do we go? Well, money flow and funds tend to drive that story. 

I will be sending out updates to those on my subscriber list and VIP distribution list in the coming months. Sometimes, I send out several updates per day to those on the VIP list. It depends on your interest and needs. 

Good luck with harvest and I enjoy hearing from all of you.

Abracos

Kory

agturbobrazil@yahoo.com

Brazil whats app

55-62-9-9912-1085



Monday, January 23, 2023

22 years in Brazil

22 Years in Brazil- I came from the end of the world. I come from a small town in Northwest, Minnesota. I come from a humble background of rocks, swamp, livestock and crops. Soybeans had just been introduced to my area when I was reading about the massive expansion in Brazil 25 years ago. My home area was heavily influenced by CRP(Conservation Reserve Program), crop insurance, government payments and obedience of wetland and sod buster laws. In essence, farmers were all government employees. No one dared to deviate from the scripted outlines of various farm programs of the 80s and 90s. I felt restricted, boxed in, and unable to break free from the self imposed bondage that, at the time, seemed completely normal. 


I had first visited southern Brazil and Argentina in 1993. At the time, I was more impressed with Argentina than Brazil.


My story’s beginning starts back in 2000. As I look back at all of the new friends, colleagues, confidants, and mentors that appeared over 20 years, one starts to believe in the phrase: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”  If it were not for several new friends and mentors that appeared at the correct time over many years, I simply would not have made it in Brazil. The culture, economy, foreign exchange, and language barrier would have eaten me alive. 


Brazil is not for beginners. I was a beginner. I knew I needed to check my Ego at customs. I am a guest in Brazil. It is not up to me to change Brazil. It was up to me to adapt to Brazil and jeitinho brasileiro”, Brazilian way” refers to the improvised and often informal approach with which Brazilians resolve problematic situations. This Brazilian way of being is seen as both negative and positive, depending on the situation in which it is applied.


For a foreigner, I do not think this can be taught. One needs a moral compass in life. However, one needs to be able to turn it on and off. I was able to do that. I think most “gringos” tend to come with a fixed set of ideals and business models, and more often than not, they do not mix well. Think of oil and water. They are both in same cup, but each are at the extreme ends of the cup. One almost needs to think of yourself as biodiesel in Brazil. 5% bio is a bit light. 10% is about right and 15% is maybe too much? I use this analogy as a way to describe how deep you are allowed to enter the Brazilian culture. As a foreigner, you are welcome, but you are never 100% part of the family. If you are an insecure person, this can lead to tension, resentment, and depression. I think in order to survive Brazil, one needs to know who you are first. There are so many diversions in the country that without a stable compass, one will lose focus and lose sight of your Magnetic North Pole- so to speak. 


I was able to find solace with my wife and son. My son and his education in Brazil was the foundation for me to put my head down and keep plowing forward. Were there times I wanted to give up? Yes. It would have been easier to walk away than continue in Brazil. There were several times in business negotiations, health issues with my son, and dealing with trying to get paid in Brazil that made me wonder: “What the hell am I doing here?” 


Given that my son is now at Notre Dame University in USA studying to be a Doctor, the heartache and frustration was all worth it in the end. But, when you are in the shit, it is very very hard to see how this will all work out. 


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I got started farming in Minnesota clearing land and breaking up CRP from those who went broke in the 80s investing in trees, rocks and swamp in my home area during the previous ag boom in USA. I was a teenager and I was able to step in and clean up their messes. In the late 90’s, I was reading about the Brazil expansion and wanted to understand this better. Could I do in Brazil what I did in Minnesota on a small scale? 



Feb 2000


CASEIH had invited a few of their VIP clients for a tour of their combine and tractor plants in Illinois and Wisconsin. While on the plane, I was seated next to a South Dakota farmer who had just gotten back from Brazil. Needless to say, I was full of questions. I asked him who he went with? He said Dan Mahoney from Morris, MN. 


June 2000


I drive down to meet Dan. We were like two peas in a pod. We saw the world the same way. Dan’s Brazilian tour partner in Brazil was making his first trip to Mato Grosso in August. He made a video tape of their tour into the frontier of Mato Grosso. Today, soybean ground zero on the planet. 

When I saw this video of new land, trees on fire and massive expansion, I knew I needed to see this. 

I need to thank Dan for his countless hours of answering my novice questions about Brazil and his time interpreting for me on the phone after I met Maria some time later. 


January 2001


My cousin Mark and I join a dynamic group from USA on a tour of Mato Grosso. We were blown away at what we saw at the time. Soybeans are US$ 5 per bushel and these crazy bastards are clearing sections and townships of land to produce more. Meanwhile, in the USA, we were CRPing and Pre-vent planting to take land out of production because everything was unprofitable. How could these two world’s exist at the same time? 


I returned to Mato Grosso two more times in 2001. I was always a day late and a dollar short to do any deals. Land prices were doubling every few months.


From 2002 to 2005 is what I call my incubation period in Brazil. I really did not have any plan. I knew I wanted and needed to be in Brazil. I was not sure how this was going to work. 


I had met my future wife Maria in August 2001. With Dan’s help, we kept in touch. I would go down and visit her. I asked if she would like to help in Mato Grosso? She said yes and she was already packed and ready to go. She literally became my Brazilian Sacajawea. She had no fear and was able to help me travel through Indian reservations and deal with local realtors etc. At the end of one my trips, we were at Flamboyant shopping in Goiania. I gave her R$ 100 to go shopping. I sat on the mall bench and waited. After a period of time, she came back with presents for my family in Minnesota. She did not buy a damn thing for herself. I told myself- this one is different. In 2003, my son David was born. Needless to say, the best part of my life. 


2003-2005 


This was a stressful time. I had established myself in Goiania. I was now a father. I was in the deep end of the pool- sink or swim. My Portuguese was still limited. I could function, but by no means fluent. I think it took three years for me to become “Brazilian”. I became fluent enough in Portuguese to argue with my wife and, after she smoldered for a while, she would agree that I was correct with my argument. By this time I was doing a few tours in Mato Grosso and spending more time with locals at birthday parties, bars, parties and various get togethers. I remember one time talking to a group of truckers at a truck stop. I was telling them about my food poisoning adventure after eating a pastel at a bus station in Nova Mutum. I puked and shit for two days. I was able to tell this story in Portuguese and animate it. I had the truckers rolling on the ground and laughing tears. I told myself then, goddamn Kory, you maybe gonna be ok here? 


I was the land guy for a new start up company in Cuiaba being funded by Americans that I got to know on my first trip to Mato Grosso. I got to know many people and this gave me some credibility. After a period of time, we each went our separate ways. It was late 2005 and I was now unemployed, feeling very alone, and pondering what the future would hold for this lost Viking from Minnesota. This was probably the scariest time for me. 2006 was a tough year. I did not have much money and I considered packing up and going home. This is just too difficult. 


During this time, I had hooked up with another American expat in Goiania. Gene Whitmer became an invaluable sounding board and mentor along the way. If it were not for him at this time, I would not have made it in Brazil. Gene was a Brazil Peace Corp vet from the 60s. He had vast practical knowledge of Brazil. The good and the bad. He knew nothing about soybeans, but he had a website with a powerful Google ranking. Keep in mind this is all before the advent of social media. We would get together regularly for drinking sessions. These drinking sessions and my ability to go to Goiania shopping and watch a new movie in English were of great importance as to me being able to keep my sanity in Brazil. 


Gene was impressed with my knowledge of ag and what is going in Brazil. He suggested I start a blog?

What is a blog in 2005? Since his business of helping Brazil students learn English and study abroad was in decline, he was able to spend a lot of time setting up my current site of www.Brazilintl.com. This was all started as an experiment. This might not work. I threw my lasso around the website and never looked back. Swim Gringo Swim !!!!!!


I started to publish a newsletter and doing Mato Grosso tours for those interested. I was contacted by hedge funds, journalists, students, and curious travelers from around the world. The website allowed me to be found. From 2007 to 2012 was a blur. I was traveling all the time and sending out reports. I remember February of 2011. I was to Cuiaba three times. Three multi-billion dollar hedge fund tours back to back. I had arrived. I knew who I was now. 


By 2011 and 2012 a new client had popped up as a referral from another client that was getting my newsletter. Summit Ag had reached out for a tour and I showed them around and suggested they meet friends of mine in Lucas do Rio Verde, MT. I had met Paulo Franz on my first trip to Mato Grosso. He and his brother showed interest in corn ethanol production, but they needed capital and know how. 

Summit Ag was the perfect fit for a real estate deal and pivot into corn ethanol and Stine seed sales. 

From me saying yes to a tour and picking up the phone on a Sunday during a heated land deal negotiation has lead to circa US$ 750 million being invested in Mato Grosso. 


I have not gotten rich in Brazil. I have never screwed anyone one over in Brazil. I was in the right place at the right time to be of service. I do not think my story can be replicated today. It has taken 20 years, but I feel like all of the suffering, sacrifice, and due diligence was all worth it. Indirectly, I was able to contribute to Brazil and Mato Grossso. I have no idea of how many jobs that have been created. From a small idea of a website, blog and being willing to educate and introduce investors to dynamic Brazilian friends and contacts has made it all worth while. One of those tours that I did for a Mutual fund from New York back in Feb 2011 reached out to me in late 2022 for service in the fertilizer sector. That fund manager had moved on, but he remembered me and my tour and told his analyst to contact Kory- he will get you on the correct path. Eleven years after doing the first tour, it is still paying dividends. 


Social media has taken away the need for on the ground tours these days. However, one thing that has not gone away is the need for honest, accurate, real time advice on what is happening in Brazil. The ability to separate the noise from the what really matters. Recent political rhetoric is the prefect example. 


At this time, I would like to add that all the friendships, relationships, confidants, and yes all the parties, so so many parties, are worth more than all the Gold in the world. I think we all wonder if we can be “loved”, “liked”, “respected”, or “be of value” outside the small communities we grew up in. The answer is Yes. If you are humble, honest, diligent, and willing to self deprecate oneself by telling jokes, I think the world is full of friends willing to let you into their world. For that privilege, I am grateful. In other words- don’t be an asshole. 


I would like to thank the Zanni family for the confidence and letting me into their 60 year story. 

Ed bought 170,000 ha+ back in the 1960’s in central Mato Grosso. He was 40 years ahead of his time. He bought soybean ground zero before any soybeans were even thought of. His land was stolen from his family in the 80s and 90’s as the soybean wave came. 


They have been fighting to get their land back and or make deals to resolve the problem. I again jumped into the deep end of the pool. Sink, swim or die Gringo. I was in land mediation with Judges, aggressive lawyers, and local farmers fearful of losing their land. That was so intense, so emotional, and also the fear for my life was also a factor. This story is still playing out and it would make a captivating film. The story is full of betrayal, theft, intrigue, deception, subterfuge, death, and of course a billion dollars worth of land. 

I am grateful for being allowed to part take in this story. I was able to advise them to do this and not that.

It took years of experience to get there, but this again comes back to the beginning. If it was not for the mentoring of Gene Whitmer(web master), I could have easily fallen into the BR trap of riches, fame and land wealth by being greedy. It was so difficult to operate for years behind the scenes, but by doing so, it kept me alive. 


I was asked by an USA investor to check on his investment in Sao Paulo. He had a small factory and his Brazil partner was making roll tarps for trucks. He was wondering where all the money was going? I was able to pop in and find out that the BR partner had been selling inventory to a local scrap yard. He would get rid of inventory for pennies on the dollar for cash in his pocket. I later found that when the USA investor had come down for a visit and it was a Brazil holiday. The Gringo was not aware of this. The BR partner had hired local actors to pretend to be assembling tarps during the holiday as the real workers were at home. But, to keep the money coming and look busy, he had hired actors to manufacture items that would be taken to junk yard the next day for cash. It is paramount that any foreign investor live in Brazil, stand in line, kick the soccer ball around, and go to many many birthday parties in Brazil before you invest here. You must understand this cultural prerequisite first. 


I remember on one of my investor tours, I had retired to my hotel room for the evening. I heard a knock on my door and it was a young girl. She was sent to me as a present by a local. I was being watched. I have been followed by Mato Grosso realtors. Everyone wants a piece of the action. One must always give tips in Brazil. Sometimes in advance. When one parks your car at various locals, there is always a kid or someone with eyes watching the hood. You always give guys like this R$5. They are your eyes and ears. They are your car insurance. If it bothers you to give someone money for doing nothing, you cannot live in Brazil. One needs friends wherever you can find them. You need to pay. Even if this friend only last’s an hour. They are on your side for that hour and that can save your life or open the door to a new opportunity you had not thought of. 


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I would like to thank my son’s schools in Goiania. Casa das Letras for my son’s Elementary education and Colego Einstein for high school. The education my son received at these private school’s were invaluable to get him to where he is today. From a very young age, I was teaching my son English. I would take him to the bus each morning and we would repeat the following. The sky is blue. The flower is purple. The grass is green. The car is black. The bird is yellow. The moto is fast. I must have repeated those phrases 10,000 times. David also said those phrases 10,000 times. On Saturday’s or Sunday’s, we would watch the medical TV show “House”.

The show was in English with Portuguese subtext. My son would listen and read at same time. He would see all of those advanced medical phrases and then ask questions about them. He would go to his iPad at the time and look up more info about these rare diseases and read about them in Portuguese. 


In 2013, my son became very sick. It took many trips to hospitals and various medical opinions. He had an auto immune disorder that affected his large intestine. We were literally killing our child with antibiotics and warm milk and cheese. Once we got on correct track, it was 14 months of prednisone. This stabilized him, but he became swollen and affected his development in his adolescent years. He went to school wearing a mask. Kids would ask if had cancer. He became more introverted and wanted to understand why this is happening. He did not like Brazil hospitals. We made a trip to USA in 2014 and got a 2nd opinion in St. Paul, MN. The Indian doctor told us to stop this prednisone immediately. All he needs is a whole foods anti-inflammatory diet and he will be fine. It was a difficult two years from beginning to end. I think this experience shocked my son into the medial field. He wrote college essays saying, that once he becomes a doctor,  he will dedicate his life to helping kids to not suffer when they are ill. 


The pandemic came and my son graduated high school while laying on a couch. It was very anti-climatic for him. I told him to shoot the moon on his USA college applications. Let us try and turn all of this into lemonade. 


He was accepted to Notre Dame in Indiana, USA. He is a Biology major with a 3.8 GPA in USA. He is on a pre-med track. My son is planning to go to Copenhagen, Denmark this fall in a medical shadow program at an elite hospital there. It has a 1% acceptance rate. He has been accepted for fall semester 2023. Needless to say, his mother and I have tears of joy for him. He also has found his place on this Earth. He found his Povo. 


This story is not done. From a small website, will power, dedication, and putting good people in touch with other good people has made this all worth while. I am welcome at many houses in Mato Grosso and Brazil at any time. If I need a vehicle, airplane, or a favor, it is there. To me, that is priceless in this crazy world we live in. I, of course, had all of that in Minnesota. Surrounded by family, cousins, and neighbors all willing to to bend over backwards to help in a time of need. It took 20 years, but I can say I have that also in Brazil these days. I have friends, neighbors, and contacts that actually care about how we are doing. 


I would love to hear some feedback from readers.

Drop me a note if you liked this story or hated it.


Let us see where the next 20 years takes us 


Kory


agturbobrazil@yahoo.com

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Mato Grosso and 2nd crop corn

 Hi

I will be in Mato Grosso next week for circa two weeks.

I will be posting photos and videos on either Twitter, Facebook or Instagram from time to time.

In Parana state, Cigarrinha do Milho (corn leaf hopper) is spreading a disease called Enfezamento. Basically, it destroys the plants ability to translocate nutrients and fill the cob. The corn plants are dying too early while still in milk stage. There seems to be only a few varieties that are resistant to the disease. There are many factors such as sanitary concerns with volunteer corn, pesticide applications, seed treatment, and climate variability. One variety that is resistant in Mato Grosso might be very susceptible in Parana, for example. Insurance companies are saying they will not pay for the losses. Reports are coming out saying up to 30-40% of Parana 2nd crop is lost due to this disease. 

Meanwhile, early corn yields in Mato Grosso are very good. Some reports as high as 180 sacs or 170 bu per acre are being reported on small tracts. This shows the potential with good varieties, proper rainfall, and planting dates. 

The later we get into harvest the lower the yields will be. IMEA will be out with a new corn crop size estimate for Mato Grosso Monday evening. I will send that out too subscribers. 

There was record area of 2nd crop corn planted in Brazil this year. We have some spots that have not seen a drop of rain for 60 days. These spots will be hurt for yields. But, all in all, given the early start to the dry season, the 2nd crop corn will still be a new record for the country. At one time, we were thinking 90 MMT+. It will likely shake out in the 85 MMT area with a risk of 80 MMT if the Parana losses are confirmed. Last year's drought corn was only 60 MMT for 2nd crop. 

Corn prices have weakened in recent weeks as harvest has started. B3 Sao Paulo corn is trading R$ 90 per sac and spot Sorriso, MT corn is R$ 68/sac. 

I fear for lots of fires again by August. The Cerrado is very dry again and it will be a tinder box by August. 

I find it interesting we have estimates for Brazil's 2023 soybean crop at 148 MMT. I would argue that Brazil will expand very little in the year ahead. Crop input prices are a disincentive to risk too much on new lands. However, the price of land in Brazil has exploded. 

Recent 2022 soybean crop estimates are increasing a little bit from their low point. We seem to be in the 124/125 MMT area for a final tally. This past year, we started with a 143 MMT soybean crop potential, but I think the true potential was more like 148 to start with. We can say that Brazil lost 24/25 MMT of its original potential. Brazil has never seen a production hit of that magnitude in soybeans. 

After two years of being beaten over the head by climate, I would think southern Brazil can count on a big crop in 2023. They are due a big one.

However, it has been about 7 years in a row of "Feast" of the Northeast quadrant of Brazil- aka MaPiToBa region. I would not be surprised that the "drought" returns the the Northeast in the coming years and other parts of Brazil will be above normal in productivity again. MaPiToBa produces 17 MMT of soybeans these days or equal to a Parana or RGDS. I remember when the region only produced 5 or 6 MMT cumulative. The region might have one or two years of average and then drop into a "Famine" phase of 2 or 3 years. This seems to be the ebb and flow of the Northeast. 

As we get into August to October timeframe, it will not only be the climate that will be hot, but also the politics in Brazil. In October, Brazil has a Presidential election. I am a gringo and I do not vote. It is not appropriate for me to comment one way or another on the candidates. 

Given my agro interests in Brazil, I and my friends are heavily biased towards the current administration. However, as I talk with locals not in "Ag", I am surprised at the high percentage of Brasileiros that want to go back to the epoch of 10-15 years ago. I do not pretend to understand this. I am only commenting on what I hear on the street talking with the common folk and lower middle class. I think those with investments in Brazil need a strategic plan to deal with possible changes ahead for 2023 and beyond. 

In October, as the rainy season starts again, I see the potential for many political Gremlins to get wet in Brazil. High food prices, high fuel prices, inflation, and high interest rates will all be hot button issues this fall. The world needs a "recession" to tamp things down, but I have no idea on what a soft landing entails. The wealthy can handle an asset set back. However, the poor will need assistance during this correction and that only leads to more demand. It is a perfect Catch 22 ahead. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. The world sure did not need a war at this time. It just exacerbated the problems. 

There is not a cloud in the sky these days in the Brasilian Cerrado. The morning sun rises and evening sun sets are breath taking. It is the calm before the storm. 

Drop me a note if any questions.

agturbobrazil@yahoo.com 

I will be doing a couple Brazil/Mato Grosso tours in January/Feb 2023. At least I think so. There is demand again for this, but Covid tests, fuel prices, and logistics could put a damper on things. I do not know today. Any trip to Brazil will be very expensive and subject to travel hiccups along the way. One will need patience or do not come. period........

Thank you

Kory

Keywords:

Brazil soybeans, Brazil corn, MaPiToBa, general comments 




Sunday, April 17, 2022

From Peak Pessimism to Peak Optimism

Sept 18th, 2018 November soybeans made a low at 8.12 per bu.

At the time, the USA had 1 billion bushels of soybean carryover and China was
sucking Brazil dry as quickly as possible. (Peak Pessimism)
I would think in the next 60-70 days, we should be reaching
"Peak Optimism". 

By June 18th, 2022, 45 months will have elapsed since the 8.12 low.
November beans are toying with 15.20 per bu and the recent high has been
15.55 per bu.

The 2008 high in Nov soybeans was 16.36 per bu on July 3rd, 2008.
2022 is 14 years from 2008.

A "doubling" of the 8.12 low is 16.24 per bu. 
The 2012 high in SX beans was 17.89 per bu.

Are we headed there again?

Well, the stage is sure set. With 35 million tons lost
in South America and the war in Europe, if there is
a chance to check out the old record high prices, it is in the
near future. 

Brazil's 2nd crop is in good shape. Mato Grosso will
produce a record large corn crop of 40 MMT+.
If there are drought problems in the coming weeks,
it will be in the Goias, MGDS, and Minas Gerias regions.

At this time, I am not worried about 2nd crop corn.
We have record planted area and most of it went in the
ground 4-6 weeks earlier than last season.
There was some late planted corn again this season.
These acres are at risk, but nominal volumes in the whole 
scheme of things.

Soybean planted area is puzzling to me in Brazil.
Obviously, we increased area year over year.
Conab says we are at 40.8 million hectares of soybeans
in 2022. There are analysts that believe the real planted
area is closer to 43 million hectares. 

Given the cost of production for 2023 soybeans, I doubt
Brazil will expand soybeans for the next season.

However, if more acres are found, that will look like
Brazil is increasing year over year. 

There are up to 1.5 million "ghost soybean hectares" in Brazil.
If Conab and others increase their soybean planted area
again for 2023, I would argue that those same acres were
planted during this past season too. 

I will continue to argue that this past season's crop
likely had a larger starting point than what has been
in the media. We need to keep this in mind as we look to
2023. We maybe should penciling in 148-150 MMT for
Brazil for 2023 and not numbers closer to 140. 

I cannot prove this. The only data point I have that
supports this argument are the fertilizer volumes
delivered to producers in 2021. The amounts were
up 12-14% Year over Year. 

For 2022, we will likely see fertilizer decreases of
20% Year over Year. 

If the Brazil farmer can apply some extra "lime"
or calcario, he can buy some time before the lack
of fertilizer affects his productivity. 

It is paramount that the USA produces at least
an average crop of soy and corn for the year ahead.
If we have any hints that the current crop will come in
below trend line, it will be difficult for the world to
"catch up" again regarding global stocks of corn, soy,
and their derivatives. 

If I had to guess as to how things play out in the
coming months, it would be something like this:

Wheat, corn and soybeans make a significant market
top by the 4th of July, 2022.

We have a multi-month sell off and form a new
base at higher levels. 

We then rally again into February 2023. 

This bull market commodity story is likely to last
until early 2024. 

The trend should continue upwards with periodic
3-6 month sell offs. 

Back in November, I was saying you need to be a bull here.
I was shitting bricks at the time.

As we get into June, I need to pivot to being a bear, and 
yet again, I can see myself shitting bricks once again. 

As Top Gun II is finally ready to come out, I feel like
I have been waiting for this movie for three years !!!!.

I think the soy, wheat, and corn markets are about to
experience a higher level of G-forces. Strap in and have
a puke bag handy. We will likely need it this June and July.

For more info:


Thank you all

Kory

Keywords: Brazil soybeans, corn, prices, fertilizer








Sunday, February 13, 2022

You can eat soybeans in my bed anytime

"You took the words right out of my mouth"

At 9:01 Brazil time on Thursday, when the Conab report came out,  
I was speechless.(I thought of Meatloaf at the time)
Never in the history of Conab have they ever
cut more than 7 million tons from report to report. The last time
was 2012, when the soybean crop was half as large as today.

I recently penned a newsletter titled "I was a bull when being
bullish wasn't cool" paying homage to Barbara Mandrell's
hit from 1981 "I was country when country wasn't cool".

This blog will be named "You can eat soybeans in my bed anytime"-
assuming you still have any ;>)

I wrote this in an old newsletter several weeks ago. I know many
people get lost when bouncing back and forth between millions
of tons and billions of bushels. 

The USDA said last week that old crop soybean carryover
will be 300 million bu or 8 million tons. Pipeline is said to
be 150 million bu or about 4 million tons.

Brazil came into 2022 with 4 MMT of old crop soybean
stocks. 

Brazil was expected to increase from 138 MMT to 145 MMT
this year or another 7 MMT. This is long gone. 

Last week, Conab basically confirmed that 20 MMT of Brazil
soybeans is gone. I think we need to be weary of possible
found acres later on. If there are extra acres, they are up north.
(Could we find 1 or 2 mmt later? ). YES

Chronic rains in the north will keep pressure on soybean quality
in the month of February. 

The million dollar question is: will continued dryness
in RGDS pull the production numbers even lower?
Possible- yes 

The anecdotal item that has my ears perked up is the datapoint
that insurance companies in Parana are cancelling 2nd crop
corn insurance policies to farmers. Why?
Did someone poop in their pants when looking at continued
"La Nina" weather maps? 
Maybe someone's testicles have not dropped yet?
If so, they have no business being in crop insurance
business. 

With Paraguay talking 4 mmt which is down from 10-11 mmt
of potential. Uruguay will come in 1 or 2 million tons light.
Argentina is looking more like 40 MMT which is down
from 50 MMT to start with. 

Bottomline is: USA can plant as many soybeans as she wants
in 2022. The market can take it all. 

Brazil will likely only export about 80 MMT in 2022.
At one time, we were thinking 90 MMT.
With the profitable crush margins, Brazil wants to
try and crush 45-48 MMT in 2022 if they can find the
beans. 

I think by Sept, USA will be down to pipeline stocks of
soybeans and by December, Brazil will have "Zero" beans
remaining in the country. Seed only.

Soybean market likely to be stimulated all year now.

There is no room for production hiccups
in USA in 2022. 

If any threat of crop losses, the markets will be explosive
now.

I remember back to Nov 9th low in beans. I was saying this
should be a low and we should rally back to 13.15 at some point.
This seemed insane at the time.
Many experts were looking for 11,10, and even 9 dollar soybeans.

This next week, we will likely check out 14.80 again basis
Nov 22 soybeans. 14.80 always bothered me last year.
It did not act like a high.
If the high would have been 14.74 3/4, I would have been
the biggest bear in the world.
14.80 was a long term "hint". "I ain't done yet" 
This is what SX was telling us 9 months ago. 

There are always hints in the market. The problem is finding them
and looking for subtle signals that a novice overlooks as just
another fundamental number.

There are more to the markets than fundamentals. But, it seems
like it takes looking at charts for 30 years to be able to see them.

If we cannot trade 14.80 early in the week basis Nov 22, then I would
think a sell off is likely.

If we trade 14.80- that will be one thing.

If we close on top of 14.80 twice, then I think it is
a straight shot to 16.36 basis SX.

When do we get there?

Maybe March 3rd maybe 
April 4th. 

I think there will be many 50 cent and 1 dollar moves
up and down between now and mid June.

Keep the Dramamine handy, the soybean market
will likely do a few barrel rolls and maybe even
a few power on stalls. Let us hope that does not
put us into a death spiral whereas it is difficult to
pull out of. 

The next 120 days will likely be something to
tell the grand kids about. 

If you missed out on 2008 and 2012, the next
crazy train is about to leave.

All aboard !!!!

Please bring your roasted soybeans with you ;>)

Kory