World Perspectives
soy-oilseeds livestock energy

Brainstorming without USDA

It takes something like the current partial shutdown of the U.S. government to make those involved with agricultural markets realize how much we depend on the stream of data from USDA. The regularity of things like export sales reports, livestock reports, and estimates of production, supplies and demand are taken for granted without recognizing the amount of time, effort and expertise USDA personnel put into them. As the current blackout shows, though, the information USDA provides every day tests our own thinking, defend us from our own assumptions and biases, and is a reminder that agriculture is in a constant state of flux. While trying to make do without USDA, following are some thoughts about ag markets in general and the soybean marke...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5425/bushel, down $0.035 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.975/bushel, down $0.1875 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.685/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $318.2/short ton, up $1.8...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Plenty of Information — No Clear Direction

Key Market Developments Macro: Tension Without Direction Markets are trading the tension between escalation and resolution — and neither side has control. Both equities and commodities tested key technical levels this week before reversing sharply on headlines suggesting — at least...

AI Disaster; Fringe Opinions; NTE 40th Update

AI Disaster Opponents of artificial intelligence, like Senator Bernie Sanders (S-Vermont), warn that the technology risks the end of the human race. So-called AI “doomers” are campaigning to stall advancements out of precaution, mostly fearing adverse impacts on the labor force. The...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5425/bushel, down $0.035 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.975/bushel, down $0.1875 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.685/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $318.2/short ton, up $1.8...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Plenty of Information — No Clear Direction

Key Market Developments Macro: Tension Without Direction Markets are trading the tension between escalation and resolution — and neither side has control. Both equities and commodities tested key technical levels this week before reversing sharply on headlines suggesting — at least...

AI Disaster; Fringe Opinions; NTE 40th Update

AI Disaster Opponents of artificial intelligence, like Senator Bernie Sanders (S-Vermont), warn that the technology risks the end of the human race. So-called AI “doomers” are campaigning to stall advancements out of precaution, mostly fearing adverse impacts on the labor force. The...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Black Sea Regional Analysis

Russian Grain Markets: 23–27 March 2026 The Russian grains market was stable to slightly firmer during the week. Export activity and port trading remained slow, while the domestic market and inland trade reflected firmer farmer price expectations. Even so, gains were limited, and the broa...

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From WPI Consulting

Infrastructure investment due diligence

On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.

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