USDA released its August food CPI forecast today; the expectation for the rest of the year is range bound with a mid-point of 5.9 percent. The most interesting part of the forecast was the wide range of projections for 2024 – from a drop of 2 percent in the low case scenario to an additional increase of 7.9 percent in the high case scenario. The bottom line is this forecast shows the uncertain economic outlook.
Recall the July CPI release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed July food inflation year-over-year was 4.9 percent; food at home was up 3.6 percent and food away was up 7.1 percent. USDA’s August forecast shows this year will end with food at home inflation at 5.2 percent (midpoint between 4.4 and 6...
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...
