Putin Orders Government to Rein in Fertilizer Prices

Source: Bloomberg, Lyubov Pronina and Marina Sysoyeva (3/2/11)

"Putin calls for iron fist on a 'cartel-like' industry."

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ordered the government to rein in fertilizer prices, half a year after President Dmitry Medvedev accused domestic fertilizer producers of "cartel" behavior.

"Despite the efforts that are being made, fertilizer prices are still growing," Putin told farmers today at a conference in Tambov, central Russia. Putin said he ordered his deputies Viktor Zubkov and Igor Sechin to "work out the necessary measures to restrain prices."

Medvedev in September called for an investigation into fertilizer prices as the country's worst drought in at least 50 years drove up food costs. OAO Uralkali and OAO Silvinit, Russia's only producers of the crop nutrient potash, agreed in November on a maximum price cap for farmers. Uralkali later agreed to buy Silvinit, acquiring the first 20% Feb. 28.

"If not on paper, then in spoken form, there exists a cartel and this all must be investigated as part of an antitrust process and punished," Medvedev said Sept. 6 in Voronezh, southwest Russia.

Uralkali and Silvinit, which sell products to Russian farmers at a discount to global prices, say that domestic producers of complex fertilizers compete with them on exports after buying potash from mining companies as a raw material.

Life Sciences Co. Receives Large Livestock Feed Order from New Client in Mexico
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/27/2021)

Avivagen Inc. reported it has secured a six tonne order for OxC-beta™ Livestock from a new customer in Queretaro City, Mexico.

Intrepid Shares Grow 40% on Positive Upward Trend for 2021 Trio and Potash Prices
Source: Streetwise Reports (12/31/2020)

Shares of Intrepid Potash Inc. sprouted to a new 52-week high after the company reported that it anticipates greater demand and higher prices for its Trio® and potash products in 2021.

Life Sciences Firm Reports Year of Record Breaking Orders
Source: Streetwise Reports (12/18/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported FY/20 audited financial results that included a 20.5% increase in YoY revenue.

Surging Agricultural Prices, $17 Trillion and Phosphate
Source: Brian Ostroff for Streetwise Reports (11/23/2020)

Brian Ostroff, managing director at Windermere Capital and CEO of Arianne Phosphate, discusses the recent rise in agricultural commodity prices and their spillover into fertilizers.

Note to Fed: Be Careful What You Wish For
Source: Michael Ballanger for Streetwise Reports (11/23/2020)

Sector expert Michael Ballanger examines the charts for commodities like soybeans and the components used in handheld electronic devices, and reflects on what they say about the future prospects of those who hold mortgages and invest in precious metals.

Large Scale Automation Comes to Cannabis
Source: Keith Schaefer for Streetwise Reports (11/02/2020)

Keith Schaefer, the Investing Whisperer, offers his analysis of the investment proposition offered by Icanic Brands, and how its ability to generate up to 1,000 pre-rolls per hour could dramatically affect the company's bottom line.

Life Sciences Firm Lands Record 4 Metric Tons Order for Antibiotic-Free Feedstock
Source: Streetwise Reports (10/14/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported that it has received a record purchase order for its OxC-beta™ product from UNAHCO.

Life Sciences Company Posts Record Q3 Revenue Due to Successful Recurring Purchase Model
Source: Streetwise Reports (09/09/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported unaudited financial results for Q3/20 that included record revenue and product sales volumes that nearly eclipsed FY/19 levels.

Life Sciences Company Registers First Non-Antibiotic Livestock Feed Additive Sale in Brazil
Source: Streetwise Reports (08/12/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported it achieved its first sale of OxC-beta™ Livestock in Brazil, the world's third largest livestock feed market.

August Approaches: Accumulation, Conversation and the Promise of Silver
Source: Michael Ballanger for Streetwise Reports (07/20/2020)

In this week's advisory, sector expert Michael Ballanger reviews the most recent market news, celebrates old-school communication techniques and offers strategies for investing in the dog days of summer.