Freight rates lower bar barges; rail strike still possible.

International end-users of US feed grains meet with US producers in 11 states.

Shipments only 2.4% lower year on year in first 17 days of October.

Drought, pest problems are the main reasons for decreased production.

Conveyor between silo, barge source of blaze at United Grain Corp. facility.

Planted area up significantly for rapeseed, sunflower and soybeans.

Month-over-month gain below 1% for first time in 2022.

Latest forecast sees lowest output since 2015-16.

Led by Kazakhstan, six landlocked ‘stan’ countries form integrated wheat economy.

Along with oil supply, it will collect used oil for renewable fuels production.