Corn futures contracts closed down three-quarters of a cent in very slow, quiet trade that moved corn prices within a narrow 3 cent range. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that last week’s ethanol production fell about 2.7 percent below the prior week, a sign that margins deteriorated in the interim. General Comments Grain and soy markets were just slightly firmer in overnight trade, but they eased back into the red during the day session and closed with modest losses. The pattern of higher prices overnight but turning lower during the day session has become fairly common during the last few weeks. Yesterday’s trading volume was quite low, but today’s volume appeared to be even lower. With little in the way of cas...
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.