Fireworks may be the key feature of the Chinese New Year celebration, but they were not present at the CBOT today. Trading today was largely “low and slow,” and outside markets were largely weaker and unsupportive to the grains complex. General Comments Fireworks may be the key feature of the Chinese New Year celebration, but they were not present at the CBOT today. Trading today was largely “low and slow” with weaker prices and small volumes. Corn, soybeans, soyoil and all three classes of wheat closed in the red today. Fresh news has been lacking lately, and the lingering South American weather situation as well as fears of a trade war with Mexico were the predominant factors.The overnight session featured a largely softer tone with cor...
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.