Except for the hog market, the CBOT/CME was quiet for the first day of post-WASDE/post-Chinese purchases trading. Volumes were light as it looks like most of the positions that were going to be exited/flipped were traded yesterday. The markets seem hopeful about continued Chinese soy/pork purchases but, given the on-again-off-again nature of the present trade war, are reluctant to commit too heavily. Also, a strong rally in the corn market would erode what little competitiveness U.S. exporters hold in the global markets presently (PNW/NOLA soybeans are, however, a bargain versus South America right now). The news broke this week that House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) is attempting to block the White House&rsqu...
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
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.