The world has been happily assuming that Brazil will crush last year’s soybean production estimate in 2019. More acres were sown, and they were planted 10-20 days earlier than normal. Early conditions were very good. In addition to talking about a record crop, many in the trade have discussed how it would be available to world markets by mid-January. Record-large U.S. and world soybean supplies coupled with another record crop in Brazil must be bearish. Throw in the China/U.S. trade problem and it gets even more bearish. This has been the subject of recent WPI analysis. Conditions have changed in Brazil, though. It has been extremely hot and dry over most of the major production regions for 15-20-days. There has recently been some s...
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
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.