Markets are rational and amid all the uncertainty the current bearishness is reasonable. There are also fundamental reasons for the current selloff. It makes no sense for U.S. farmers to plant 97 million acres of corn. We think China will become a larger purchaser of U.S. soybeans in a few months, but there is limited certainty. Brazil’s soybean production area is forecast to increase in 2020/21 by almost 5 percent. Some countries have stockpiled food grains and that will lag some future demand. Farmers are having to dump milk and there is the threat of some reaching the point of shooting their cattle. Meanwhile, the strong dollar is aiding competitors. And if all of that isn’t dreary enough, the market hasn’t yet hit its...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
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...