The U.S. government will be closed 5 December to honor the late George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. Release of the government’ s various reports for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one business day as a result. Whatever excitement was created by last weekend’s trade truce with China has pretty well dissipated. This occurred as the realization grows that the agreement may have little or no impact on U.S. soy or grain exports and thus provides nothing to prop up futures market prices. Contradictions among U.S. officials and the vagueness of comments from Chinese government officials have helped to cool off markets. Moreover, trading at the opening Monday night left large gaps in soybeans, corn...
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.
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...