Grain and oilseed markets in 2018 were disappointing for producers, which, of course, means they were good for consumers because prices trended lower, at least through the last half of the year. It was really a tale of two cities. The first was one of rising markets and bullish news until it met the second, the Trump trade war, that ignited and reached full war when China slapped 25 percent tariffs on U.S. soybeans in early July. Crop prospects across the U.S. also started to improve about that same time and the result was that corn, wheat, and soybean markets collapsed. The problem with trying to analyze the 2018 markets is that rarely has history seen so many significant “outside” or non-agricultural events impact grai...
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...