Elaine Kub

Contributing Analyst
Elaine Kub

Elaine Kub is the author of Mastering the Grain Markets: How Profits Are Really Made -- a 360-degree look at all aspects of grain trading, which draws on her experiences as a futures broker, market analyst, grain merchandiser, and farmer. She grew up on a family farm in South Dakota and holds an engineering degree and an MBA.

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More From This Author

  • In ranked lists of the past ten years, the 2023 corn crop has the worst mid-September condition ratings but nevertheless the highest overall September WASDE production forecast. (Graphic by Elaine Kub)

    Kub's Den

    Comparing data sets as ranked lists can make it simpler for human brains to perceive something complex, like a drought-stricken crop's ultimate prospects; but sometimes a simple statement can lead traders in the wrong direction.

  • ILLUSTRATION: Orange juice futures prices have been skyrocketing to record highs in 2023. (Graphic by Elaine Kub)

    Kub's Den

    Both widespread inflation and crop-specific production problems have sent certain food commodity markets skyrocketing, driving up futures trading interest in the ag sector.

  • A patchwork of observations from various Mesonets can be used to give a broader picture of the real-time conditions faced by crops. (Image taken from the Regional Mesonet Program hosted by the Midwest Regional Climate Center)

    Kub's Den

    The patchwork of Mesonets collecting weather data across the Corn Belt should be considered when commodity market participants want to ground-truth the conditions faced by agricultural crops through a growing season.

  • Past spikes in grain transportation costs were caused by clear freight shortages. (Chart by Elaine Kub)

    Kub's Den

    Elevated truck shipping prices in the United States demonstrate the difference between lackluster exports and fierce domestic demand for grain.

  • A long-term series of hay prices isn't well-tested every week and may seem volatile due to trades of varying quality and terms. (Chart by Elaine Kub)

    Kub's Den

    The smell of dry hay can capture the memory of a perfect June day and carry it into the future, but there is a high price to pay for this commodity amid scarcity and inflation.