MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — MGEX announced on April 1 a 14% increase in total volume from March 2012. This is the sixth consecutive month that the exchange has seen year-over-year volume growth. Total volume for March was recorded at 92,576 contracts traded.

Open interest also increased 9% over March 2012. Total open interest was recorded at 44,718, with the options market seeing a 16% increase from February 2013.

“The 2013 calendar year has experienced trading growth over the same period last year with total exchange volume up 10%,” said Mark G. Bagan, president and chief executive officer, MGEX. “Several specification changes to the North American Hard Red Spring Wheat contract are in effect with the May 2013 contract month which should encourage further international participation in the market and increased trade volume,” he added.

Hard Red Spring Wheat total volume was recorded at 92,349, with futures contracts accounting for 91,653 contracts traded and options contracts accounting for 696 contracts. Total open interest was recorded at 44,373, with futures contracts accounting for 41,211 and options contracts accounting for 3,162.