Our Experience

We have successfully completed numerous in-depth consulting projects over the past eleven years. We only take on projects for which we have the necessary expertise and experience to deliver a high quality product to the client. Below is a select list of research projects we have completed:

Development of a highly complex risk model for a large, international commodity trader.
Comprehensive review of a pricing and risk management program for a major, global commodity trader. This included an in-depth hedge effectiveness test and review of risk control mechanisms and procedures.
Development of a basis insurance program for Alberta beef cattle, including policy design, rating methodology and historical simulation.

Review of price discovery and risk management issues for the Canadian dry pea industry. A key component of this project was the development of an innovative feed pea price benchmark utilizing least cost feed formulation technology. The feed pea benchmark was launched in January 2009.

Review of the appropriateness of premiums and coverage levels offered by a major provincial crop insurance agency. This analysis included premium and coverage comparisons between crops, regions and provinces in relation to the underlying yield and grade risk.

Comprehensive review and modeling of the global feed ingredient market. This study included a detailed review of trends in global biofuel production and meat consumption and the related impacts on the feed ingredient market. A comprehensive model of global feed ingredient trade flows was developed using linear programming modeling, which was then utilized to measure the impact of various supply/demand assumptions on trade flows.

Detailed development of Alberta fed and feeder cattle price insurance products. This comprehensive study involved the development of all aspects of an Alberta-based cattle price insurance program, including detailed policy design, development of the underlying price indices, policy rating methodology and an historical simulation. The target launch date for this program in Alberta is June 2009.

Feasibility study for an Alberta-based cattle price insurance program. This project involved the conceptual development of an innovative risk management product for Alberta cattle producers.

Preparation of risk management policies for approximately ten North American ethanol plants. These projects involved working with the management and boards of independent ethanol plants to develop risk management guidelines, safeguards and operating procedures.

The development of a comprehensive research service for a major U.S. commodity brokerage firm. This multi-year project involved the successful development and delivery of numerous research products and software relating to the global grain and oilseed markets.

Development of a Derivative Use Plan for a U.S. reinsurance company.

Assistance with numerous international marketing initiatives (including keynote presentations) on behalf of clients. This has involved the organization of agri-business conferences and delivery of presentations in various countries, including: Canada, United States, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, China, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Central America.

Advice on the development and implementation of a Value-at-Risk (VAR) system for a large North American grain handler and processor.

The organization and delivery of numerous seminars on various agri-business topics including: corporate risk management, futures markets, options, commodity hedging, fundamental analysis and commodity outlooks.

Design and implementation of an innovative portfolio risk management program for a major agri-business reinsurance firm in the United States.

Design and implementation of a risk management program relating to livestock price insurance in the United States. This project included the development of sophisticated hedging methodology and related position management software.

A review of the Bulgarian Agriculture Act. This project involved participation in a World Bank team to review proposed agricultural legislation for Bulgaria. The project involved interaction with a number of different political levels (including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture), bureaucrats and industry participants.

Analysis of the potential for crude palm oil (CPO) and robusta coffee forward contracts in Indonesia. This study reviewed various constraints to introducing exchange-traded cash or futures contracts for CPO and coffee, such as the export tax regime.

Review of the Pacific Northwest terminal elevator market and opportunities for investment for a Canadian agri-business conglomerate. This comprehensive study involved a detailed review of the West Coast grain handling infrastructure (including site visits to every facility in Canada and the U.S. PNW) and an evaluation of the economics of various expansion alternatives.

A comprehensive review of the economics of high throughput elevators in Western Canada and site selection analysis in the province of Manitoba. This project utilized leading edge mapping technology and other methodologies to evaluate the merits of alternative high throughput strategies and alternative sites.

A comprehensive review of the U.S. Northern Plains grain handling infrastructure. This study was part of the due diligence performed by a North American grain handler for purposes of evaluating opportunities for business expansion into the Northern Plains. This project involved the identification of potential joint-venture partners.

Review of the system of strategic grain reserves in Bulgaria. This project involved a detailed examination of the state grain reserve system in Bulgaria, including specific recommendations for reform of the system and development of an emergency wheat reserve.

The development of a crop, livestock and farm input model for a North American agri-business conglomerate. This involved the creation of a software model and data inputs for a multi-purpose economic modeling platform.

Assistance to a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a proposed food monetization project in Cambodia involving vegetable oil and wheat flour.

The delivery of a series of seminars relating to commodity marketing and risk management in five Central American countries.