Yesterday’s 3 percent decrease in corn conditions ratings spooked corn bears and prompted a notable round of short-covering at the CBOT, both in the overnight session (where corn, soybeans, and Chicago wheat all ended ~5 cents higher) and the day session. The market’s move higher was helped at mid-day by a newswire that suggested China will return to purchasing U.S. agricultural products, presumably in the near-term. The news was cited as an effort to thaw political tensions ahead of the pending U.S.-China trade negotiation meetings in October. U.S. soybeans are a comparative bargain versus Brazil and Argentine-origin product, but China is still more likely to secure pork and beef. Chinese officials have indicated...
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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...