Book Description

This bulletin presents an annual econometric model of the U.S. wheat economy. The research is part of a series on models for the major U.S. field crops; the goal is to provide forecasting and policy analysis tools of ultimate use for policy purposes. Prices for sorghum, a major competitor in the domestic wheat-feed industry, affect wheat supplies, domestic demand, and foreign demand. Rising incomes in less developed countries encourage purchases of U.S. wheat, but income growth in Japan and Western Europe reduces purchases. U.S. Government policy options for exportable wheat-food aid, exports to centrally planned countries, or Government stock ownership-have significantly different influences on wheat prices.