Global Feed in 3-D: An Information Technology Product for Strategic Decision Making and Market Analysis

The Illinois Soybean Association and the USDA initiated and supported the original research project that produced the prototype Global Food in 3?D and underlies the proposed new product, Global Feed in 3?D. The expected user groups were small and mid?sized farmer leaders and allied analysts and stakeholders as a result of the research's original design and goals. The research outcome of this project will lead to a commercialized product that directly serves the needs of small and mid?sized farmers as they and allied parties chart strategy and make investment decisions for their businesses and organizations. U.S. agricultural organizations will use Global Feed in 3?D to make sense and gain better understanding of the complex feed grain and livestock markets in which they operate. Small and mid?sized farmers comprise the vast majority of agricultural producers in the United States and serve as the leaders on the many commodity groups, farm organizations, service firm boards, cooperatives, government advisory committees. Their products not only are traded worldwide, but by the nature of commodity economics their markets are affected by changes in supply and demand throughout the world. Farmer leaders need high quality information tools on which to base strategy, policy and investment decisions. Global Feed in 3?D is a three dimensional workspace where users immerse themselves in a rich graphical environment of commodity and socio-demographic data. The 3-D environment allows for unparalleled learning and discovery unique to the user. Global Feed in 3?D provides small and mid?sized agricultural leaders with not only the data and information they need, but its unique visualization environment allows for unique learning and understanding. Agricultural leaders will have access to unparalleled information and resources. They no longer need not be passive, but can be actively involved in learning and analysis. Specifically Global Feed in 3-D will cover the production, consumption, and trade of all (28) feed grains, (7) livestock, (12) meat, (4) dairy, and (30) commercial fish types. Regional feed rations will link livestock and fish production forecasts back to grain and micro and macro nutrient ingredient demand forecasts. Long run meat and fish income elasticities of demand (53) will be calculated across all 209 countries. There will be 25 key demographic variables associated with each of the 209 countries, such as income growth, changes in urban population, etc.