South America is a major player in world grain and soybean markets.

It already produces one and one-half times the soybeans that the United States produces and it is the second-largest exporter of corn in the world.

It's influence will continue to grow and it is likely that Brazil, alone, will be the No. 1 commodity/food exporter in the world in our lifetimes. 

This locks North and South American agriculture systems into a complex web of influences and countervailing influences. What happens in one region affects decisions in production and marketing in the other. 

It is vital to understand the production, marketing, infrastructure, government policies, export and other systems in both places.

Meet the Expert

About Michael

  • Involved in global crop production for 40 years, his experience in South America started in the early 1970s when he conducted agricultural experiments in central Brazil.
  • A keen observer of the development of the soybean industry in South America. Fluent in Portuguese and travels regularly to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay to inspect soybean and corn crops. 
  • Appears frequently on national television and radio programs to discuss world agricultural issues; conducts numerous seminars dealing with agricultural production for regional and national audiences.
  • President of Soybean And Corn Advisor, Inc., a consulting firm that works with Fortune 500 companies and the agricultural trading community specializing in fundamental analysis of soybean and corn production with special emphasis on South America.
  • Worldwide client base includes: Investment companies, banks, grain merchants, food manufacturers, agricultural processors, information and advice services, commodity traders, agricultural co-ops, chemical companies, fertilizer companies, livestock feed companies, large-scale farming, and governments.

Experience

Owner • Soybean and Corn Advisor, Inc.
Sep, 1982 — Present
  • Commodity consulting firm works with Fortune 500 companies and the agricultural trading community specializing in fundamental analysis of soybean and corn markets in North and South America.
  • Travels extensively conducting crop surveys in U.S., Brazil, and Argentina.
  • Publishes findings in a closely-followed and widely-quoted weekly report. 
Agricultural research volunteer • U.S. Peace Corps
1972 — 1974
  • Worked with local extension service setting up a series of research stations in the state of Mato Grosso in central Brazil looking at potential for row crop production. 
  • Research included some of the first soybean plantings in the state.

Education

Michigan State University
PhD, Agronomy, 1981
Ohio State University
MS, Agronomy, 1979
Miami University
BS, Botany, 1972

Keynote Speeches

Dr. Cordonnier is a frequent guest or interviewee for TV, print and radio news organizations:

  • Dow Jones
  • Reuters
  • Bloomberg
  • DTN
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • This Week in Agribusiness - RFD-TV Network
  • Town and Country Report - WGN TV
  • Noon Report - WGN Radio
  • US Farm Report - WGN TV
  • Ag Day - Farm Journal Media
  • Red River Farm Network

He has been a popular speaker at numerous agricultural related events for more than 25 years. Some of his recent or scheduled presentations include:

  • USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, February 2015, Arlington, Va.: "How Will Brazilians Respond to Current Down Cycle in Commodities."
  • USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, February 2011, Arlington, Va.: "Changing Incentives for Agricultural Expansion in Brazil."
  • Chicago Board of Trade, South American Outlook, 2009-10, Chicago, October, 2009: "Will South America be able to Supply the Soybeans the World Needs?" 
  • Pro Farmer Leading Edge Seminar, July 2009, Des Moines, Iowa:  "South American Oilseed and Grain Outlook 2009-10." 
Additional presentations:
  • National Grain and Feed Association
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Ag Outlook Conference
  • ConAgra Foods
  • Ag Processing
  • Land O'Lakes Feed
  • University of Illinois Extension Service
  • Anderson Grain
  • Stillman Bank
  • Michigan Ag Commodities
  • New Vision Co-op
  • Kokomo Grain Company
  • Cottonwood Oil Company
  • Minnesota Crop Production Retailers
  • Minnesota Feed & Grain
  • Saskatchewan Extension Service
  • Hurley & Associates
  • Minnesota Grain and Feed Association
  • Farm Journal Media
  • Northstar Commodities
  • State Extension Services
  • Local and Regional Commodity Organizations

Academia

  • Has taught laboratory courses in seed technology at Ohio State University and Michigan State University.
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