World Perspectives
livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Livestock industry margins were mostly steady/higher last week, with the notable exception of beef packer margins. Beef processing profits fell $20/head last week as fed cattle prices rose more than beef prices and a dip in slaughter weights reduced packers’ sales volume. Feedlot margins surged last week on a break in feeder cattle costs and reductions in the cost of gain. The pork industry saw largely steady margins with processer profits decreasing slightly on a weaker pork cutout and gains in hog purchase prices. Forward-looking hog producer margins were steady with the prior week for both farrow-to-finish and wean-to-finish operations but closeout profits for both types of operations fell due to weaker basis levels. ...

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livestock

Cattle on Feed - June 2025

U.S. Cattle on Feed totaled 11.4 million head on June 1, 2025. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2024.  Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.89 million head, 8 percent below 2024.  Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.76 million head, 10 percent below 2024.  Ot...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: A Day and a Week of Surprises

There isn’t always a common theme across markets. Sometimes a session starts amid diverse influences. Sometimes, shorts or longs will dominate an open, then be tested by participants with different ideas. Each jockeying to have their way. Today’s trading opened bearishly for major g...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Cattle on Feed

  USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today.  Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.4 million head, 99 percent of last year.      Total placements were down 8 percent and below the average pre-report estimate.  Those lighter placements were partia...

livestock

Cattle on Feed - June 2025

U.S. Cattle on Feed totaled 11.4 million head on June 1, 2025. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2024.  Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.89 million head, 8 percent below 2024.  Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.76 million head, 10 percent below 2024.  Ot...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: A Day and a Week of Surprises

There isn’t always a common theme across markets. Sometimes a session starts amid diverse influences. Sometimes, shorts or longs will dominate an open, then be tested by participants with different ideas. Each jockeying to have their way. Today’s trading opened bearishly for major g...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Cattle on Feed

  USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today.  Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.4 million head, 99 percent of last year.      Total placements were down 8 percent and below the average pre-report estimate.  Those lighter placements were partia...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.2875/bushel, down $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.6775/bushel, down $0.065 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.68/bushel, down $0.0675 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $284.1/short ton, down $...

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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.

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