Soybeans closed higher again for the 13th time during February with the May contract hitting another high. Only corn remained locked in its usual narrow trading range. General Comments The oat market situation that we discussed briefly in yesterday's Market Commentary was a lead story in today's Wall Street Journal. Among other things, the WSJ described Canadian farmers' frustration at being unable to move their big 2013 oat harvest to take advantage of the red hot prices for cash oats being paid by U.S. users. The cause of this problem is the lack of transportation. The CME March oat contract traded as high as $5.155 today, a new record, before closing up 3.75 cents from yesterday at $5.0675. March oats are at a 51-cent premium to March...
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.