Purdue University released its latest monthly Ag Economy Barometer last week; the barometer is a joint project with the CME Group and is based on a monthly national survey of 400 producers. The April Barometer increased seven points to an index level of 123, not quite making back the drop of eight points in March.
The Ag Economy Barometer index value for a given month is always relative to the base period of October 2015 to March 2016. A Barometer value of 100 implies no change from the base period. A value greater than 100 indicates an increase in producers’ sentiment compared to the base period, whereas a value below 100 indicates producers’ sentiment declined relative to the base period. The drop in the...
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...