Renowned columnist using data, statistics, and charts to put context behind the news — helping readers understand the "why & how" in whatever hot topic is driving the markets.
Renowned columnist and Zaner Chief Market Analyst, Karen Braun uses her scientific way of thinking to provide insights on all aspects of the global agriculture markets, including a large focus on grains and oilseeds. Karen has a passion for education, data, statistics, and charts, and she uses them to put context behind the news, helping readers understand the "why & how" in whatever hot topic is driving the markets.
Karen comes to Zaner after nearly 10 years as the Global Agriculture Markets Columnist for Reuters News — though interestingly, she doesn't come from an editorial or agricultural background.
After completing her undergraduate studies in Atmospheric Science at Cornell University with a minor in Applied Economics and Management, Karen earned a Master of Science in Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma — where she was involved in the second phase of the tornado research project that inspired the original Twister movie.
She gained extensive boots-on-the-ground experience, completing crop tours in Ukraine, Russia, France, Serbia, and countless trips across the U.S. Corn Belt. In 2015, Karen expanded her coverage to include all corners of the ag markets — supply, demand, trade, policy, weather, government forecasts, and more.
She has spoken to audiences across four continents and amassed more than 85,000 followers on X. While at Reuters, Karen also moonlighted as a sports reporter, covering gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics and writing remotely for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Karen started gymnastics at age 3 and competed through college — still an avid follower of the sport. She also enjoys traveling, wine and food, cats, and staying active.
BS in Atmospheric Science at Cornell with a minor in Applied Economics. MS in Meteorology at University of Oklahoma — involved in tornado research that inspired the original Twister film.
Responsible for Ukrainian and European grain and oilseed production forecasts plus short and long-term weather outlooks. Completed crop tours across Ukraine, Russia, France, Serbia, and the U.S. Corn Belt.
Expanded coverage to supply, demand, trade, policy, weather, and government forecasts. Spoke to audiences on four continents. Built one of the most followed analyst voices in agriculture — 85,000+ followers on X.
Providing data-driven ag market commentary and analysis exclusively through Zaner Ag Hedge's newsletter and research platform.
Clear, objective analysis on grains, oilseeds, weather, trade, policy, and the global supply-and-demand shifts that actually matter.
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