Archive | John Schnttker

Water and Wheat: ISIS Weapons?

By John Schnittker, Chief Economist at Schnittker Associates, and former Ministry Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad. With much of Iraq’s wheat production coming from Northern Iraq and nearly all of Iraq’s water resources flowing through areas under ISIS control, Iraq’s food security may be facing a severe threat. Iraq has about two thirds of […]

Iraq’s Summer Irrigation Water Supply Threatened

By John Schnittker, Chief Economist at Schnittker Associates, and former Ministry Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad. The headwater areas of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that stretch across most of eastern Turkey have been exceptionally dry this fall and winter. Precipitation over eastern Turkey during the September 2013 – February 2014 period has been less than […]

Record Wheat Crop, but Imports Still Needed

By John Schnittker, Chief Economist at Schnittker Associates, and former Ministry Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad. Iraq’s first tender to purchase wheat on the international market since mid-May 2013 reflects that despite a record wheat crop Iraq remains a major importer of wheat and flour products. Iraq’s 2013 wheat crop of nearly 4.0 […]

Wheat Harvest Threatened by Heavy Rains

By John Schnittker, Chief Economist at Schnittker Associates, and former Ministry Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad. Heavy rainfall over the southern provinces of Iraq during early May has potentially reduced Iraq’s expected wheat harvest by 25-30% according to a statement by Trade Minister, Dr. Khairallah Hassan Babiker. Initial reports indicate that losses are […]

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Iraq On Track for Big Wheat Crop

By John Schnittker, Chief Economist at Schnittker Associates, and former Ministry Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad. Iraq’s 2013 winter grain prospects appear to be good to excellent condition at this time. Late fall and early winter rains as well as irrigation supplies have been adequate to support increased plantings and good early growth […]