Funds were active buyers again today. The ethanol situation grabbed the headlines, but there were a few other bullish straws in the wind to help support those who argue that agricultural commodities have again become a place to put speculative money. General Comments Yesterday’s ethanol-inspired rally had calmed some by the close, but the White House’s denial that changes in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) point of obligation in exchange for approval of using E15 the entire year were in the works has not taken the possibility of a potential adjustment off the board. Confusion as to what is really going on abounds, and today’s price gains were definitely related to the theory that “where there is smoke, there is fire.” It has been taken...
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
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.