You knew it had to happen again someday and that day was today. Soybean futures led the CBOT higher (higher!) after reports surfaced that the U.S. and China are attempting to reengage in trade war-ending negotiations. Soybean futures turned green overnight and jumped to a quick 21-cent lead after the market’s open. Wheat obligingly followed as continued dryness in Europe and tightening supplies in Russia drove that market higher. Corn also had a higher day on production concerns in the U.S. The U.S. weather forecast is turning increasingly hot and dry heading into August, the key period for soybean yield development. Traders are now worried that, despite amazingly good crop conditions ratings, the anticipated August weather may...
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.