After more than a year of sharply rising prices, softwood lumber is finally starting to show some cracks. Due to circumstances related to COVID, softwood lumber prices increased by 370 percent. Lumber mills expected 2020 to be like any other recession year in which housing starts collapse. By the time it was realized that working from home would lead to an investment boom in housing, the gap in production resulted in shortages and then problems hiring back workers. Lumber production is also stifled by beetles and wildfires. However, softwood prices may now be softening. Futures prices remain elevated well into 2022 but that could be changing. Last week, futures prices fell 14 percent and they shaved off another 4.5 percent today. U.S. fore...
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.