Group’s majority shareholder, Akira, secures arrangement to buy shares from minority shareholders desiring to sell.

Project expected to extend shelf life, improve taste of whole wheat products.

The previous record set Sept. 2017.

Harvested area offsets lower yields for both wheat and barley, USDA says.

Large monthly variations continue as a result of changing commodity prices, trade news.

Facility includes reception lobby, office space, conference rooms, product showroom and warehousing.

Facility will include two milling sections and a flour silo.

Plant to be built at the Port of Baltimore will source grain and soybeans.

Lengthy dry spell has reduced Australian crop production.

Production forecasts for 2018-19 are lowered but still remain above year-ago levels.