It is safe to say that the soft global economy and currency gyrations will have some impact on world demand. However, predicting exactly how that happens and what the specific effect on overseas demand for U.S. grains and soybeans will be is sheer guesswork at this point.After USDA releases this month’s WASDE on 9 October with its latest production estimates for the 2015 U.S. corn and soybean crops, the futures market community will conclude that it has a pretty good handle on that production. Now that the 2014/15 carryout is fixed, total supplies of each will also be closely counted with only minor future variations likely.With supplies well in hand, analysts will turn to the other side of the supply/demand balance sheet. Admittedly, the d...
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.