In Canada and the U.S., maize is mainly used as feed for livestock.

Human consumption of maize is an essential element of the diet of many regions and the main ingredient for the preparation of foods.

The search for innovative and viable alternatives to oil has led to an increasing demand for corn for the production of biofuels, especially ethanol.

A grain of wheat is increasingly used to produce biomaterial, as a result of the trend toward alternative lifestyles and more environmentally friendly. Can be used to produce plastics and fabrics.

Some of the most significant fluctuations in the price of maize are caused by weather conditions. The climate can offer an explanation to some cyclical trend in maize prices during the year.

Can have a strong impact on crops. Their spread can be affected by climate.

Demand from emerging markets is a significant factor in the long-term price trend.

The ethanol market, rapidly expanding in the U.S., has become a primary factor in the demand for corn. The ethanol is used in gasoline at low concentrations as an additive and some cars specially modified can operate with even very high concentrations.

Corn, soybeans and wheat are common in many applications and can act as substitutes for each other. The greater demand can therefore push up the price of the other.

Demands for maize is very high between September and November, when the cattle have the greatest need to be fed.