GOOD MORNING, Seasonal lows are sometimes set after the September or October reports, and it's always about fund flows and market reaction to the data. The Sep report was neutral to bearish for corn, but funds decided it was time to cover part of their short position when prices returned to contract lows setting the stage for an outside day of trade closing higher. However, the up-move started with beans yesterday as rumors floated on the trading floor that China had purchased beans off the PNW. Reuters later confirmed 600 tmt of beans were transacted for Oct/Nov delivery, with basis strengthening from +17 Nov to +33 Nov. This morning, China's state media, citing unidentified sources, said the gov. will...
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...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.