Jolyon Hobby

Brought up on a mixed arable and dairy farm in Wiltshire I was destined to work in the agriculture and associated industries.
I studied a BSc Hons in Agriculture and Land Management.
I was a farmer for 3 years post degree, before turning my attention to a fascination in markets and began a career in the UK grain trade.
Following 20 years of trading with 13 years running my own trading business, with an associated transport company, I left the physical grain trade.
Over the last 8 years I have pursued interests in the agri-food supply chain, focusing on the impact of commodities and their price volatility together with transport logistics on the food chain.
I currently write about the World wheat markets as well as providing support to businesses from farm to retailer. Assisting in their quest to manage margin impacted by commodity volatility and transport logistics.

Falling Wheat Markets…Why and What Next?

  • Wheat markets have fallen sharply in recent weeks 
  • The lack of significant Black Sea exports remains a major hurdle 
  • A look at what might lie ahead  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Could Russia, China Solve the Wheat Crisis?

  • Production concerns and the weather add to concerns over wheat supply 
  • War in the Ukraine drags on preventing the much-needed Black Sea exports 
  • Options needed to solve the crisis as India bans wheat exports  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Wheat’s War-Driven Rally May Be Nearing the End

  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed wheat prices to unprecedented highs. 
  • With Northern Hemisphere harvests only weeks away, prices may be moved by production forecasts. 
  • Ukraine’s first grain cargo leaving from Constanța in Romania is cause for optimism.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Ukraine Crisis Could Erode Wheat Demand

  • Black Sea ports remain closed for wheat exports as war continues to rage in Ukraine. 
  • USDA puts global wheat stocks at five-year low for 2022. 
  • Record high wheat prices could hit demand.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Russia’s Strategic Shift Boosts Prospects for Black Sea Wheat Exports

  • Russia’s move to the east of Ukraine could mean some wheat exports resume. 
  • War or no war, there’s a need for Black Sea wheat exports once the summer harvest begins. 
  • Russia needs the money and space, while North Africa demands the cheapest wheat imports.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

War in Ukraine Drives Wheat Market’s Mood

  • Wheat market volatility is tracking geopolitics. 
  • Supply problems grow as Russian conflict lingers. 
  • North Africa hit hardest due to reliance on Black Sea wheat.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Making Sense of a War-Torn Wheat Market

  • Wheat production looks a mountainous task in Ukraine this year. 
  • Shipping in the Black Sea will remain difficult at best, impossible at worst. 
  • Oil, gas, and fertiliser will be expensive and for many wheat producers.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

3 min read

Russian Invasion Sends Wheat Prices into Overdrive

  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent the wheat market into overdrive. 
  • Here, we look at these price rises and assess whether they can continue. 
  • We also consider the longer-term prospects for the value of wheat in 2022.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

4 min read

What the Conflict Between Russia & Ukraine Means for Wheat

  • Russia and Ukraine are significant players in the world wheat market. 
  • Here, we consider how a Russian invasion could impact the world of wheat. 
  • Increased tension should encourage buying, while any de-escalation would likely be bearish.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

4 min read

The Basics of Wheat

  • This Explainer will help you understand the key fundamentals and market drivers in wheat. 
  • A lot of this information has been covered in previous, longer articles, which are linked throughout. 
  • If there’s anything wheat-related you’d like to learn about in 2022, please contact will@czapp.com.  

Jolyon Hobby

2 years ago

5 min read