GOOD MORNING, Prices continue to trade mixed, with the major direction for most of the markets sideways to lower. Funds are now estimated to be short 8,000 wheat contracts, 175,000 corn, and 24,000 meal. Funds are estimated to be long 55,000 bean contracts and 54,000 soyoil. Into the August 12 WASDE, we will continue to see the usual trade estimates. Another firm forecast bean yield at 52.5 bpa, putting production at 4.352 bln bu. 2020 corn bpa was forecast at a more modest 179.6 bpa, with production at 13.617 bln bu. The bull component of trade continues to be that of strong oilshare, with soyoil futures on a higher path backed by higher crude and strong world veg oil values. Soyoil futur...
Illuminating the value of technical research
On behalf of a commodity producer organization, WPI evaluated the outputs from a project that featured a $5 million investment into technical research over multiple years. WPI’s team captured the results of this extensive effort and synthesized them for presentation to the organization’s governing board; among the findings uncovered and presented for the first time was the development of genomic traits proven, via rigorous testing, to provide crop yield advantages of 50 percent or more to U.S. farmers in times of drought. Capturing measurable results from long-term efforts can be challenging. Educating clients on the dynamics of success measurement when quantifiable results are not readily available requires deep client-consultant collaboration and an ability to consider both near- and long-term client aspirations with market/policy dynamics – attributes that WPI brings to every consulting engagement.
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...