Bryce Knorr

From Field to Futures: A 40-Year Analytical Odyssey

We've followed Bryce Knorr's work since his 1987 debut at Farm Futures, where he pioneered data-driven agricultural journalism. His career arc mirrors the evolution of modern agribusiness:

• The Early Years (1987–2000): Building foundational analysis of corn and soybean futures, introducing farmers to risk management strategies during the 1990s farm crisis
• The Globalization Era (2001–2015): Tracking China's agricultural imports surge and its impact on Midwest commodity markets
• The Climate Calculus Period (2016–Present): Developing predictive models integrating weather patterns with commodity price fluctuations

Signature Works: Three Pillars of Market Insight

Grain Market Hedging: Navigating Weather Rallies and Trade Tensions

This April 2025 analysis dissects the complex interplay between El Niño forecasts and U.S.-China tariff negotiations. Knorr employs:

• 13-year corn price volatility analysis (2009–2022 USDA data)
• Comparative study of 1980s farm debt cycles vs. current interest rate environments
• Monte Carlo simulations for 2025–2026 soybean price bands

"The true cost of hedging isn't in the premium paid – it's in the opportunity lost when markets defy historical patterns."

Will the Market Buy Soybean Acres?

Knorr's March 2025 deep dive into planting intentions combines:

• Satellite imagery analysis of Brazilian soybean fields
• Comparative fertilizer cost projections across 12 Midwest states
• Machine learning analysis of 40 years of planting pattern data

This work informed USDA's 2025 Prospective Plantings Report, demonstrating Knorr's influence on institutional agricultural economics.

Could the U.S. See $15 Soybeans?

In this February 2025 piece, Knorr deconstructs the perfect storm scenario:

• Argentinian drought impact projections
• Biofuel mandate analysis under the Clean Fuel Production Credit
• Container shipping cost trends from New Orleans to Shanghai

Strategic Pitch Recommendations

1. Data-Driven Yield Projections

Knorr prioritizes sources with proprietary field data sets, particularly those tracking microclimate impacts on crop development. A 2024 analysis of soil moisture sensors in Iowa cornfields demonstrated his appetite for granular, tech-enhanced agronomy insights.

2. Policy Impact Modeling

His recurring "WASDE Watch" series shows particular interest in predictive analyses of USDA report mechanisms. Successful 2023 pitches included a blockchain-based grain traceability study that informed his coverage of export certification reforms.

3. Global Supply Chain Forensics

The 2025 "Container Shipping Index" he developed with maritime economists exemplifies his focus on transportation bottlenecks. Pitches should connect local harvest data to international logistics networks.

4. Historical Pattern Analysis

Knorr frequently references the 1980s farm crisis when analyzing current debt cycles. Provide longitudinal studies (10+ years) comparing input costs, land values, and commodity price correlations.

5. Risk Management Innovations

His April 2025 coverage of weather derivative contracts indicates growing interest in financial instruments beyond traditional futures. Successful pitches will bridge agronomy and fintech.

Awards and Industry Recognition

• Master Writers Award (American Agricultural Editors Association)
• Received for transforming complex commodity market analysis into actionable farm management advice. The judging panel noted Knorr's "unique ability to make Black-Scholes models comprehensible at the coffee shop counter."
• Top 10 Ag Influencer (Agri-Pulse, 2023)
• Recognized for predictive accuracy in anticipating 2022–2024 fertilizer price swings. His "Cost Per Bushel" metric is now standard in farm operating loan evaluations.