The overnight session that started Monday evening was the first opportunity to trade CME grain and soy futures since Friday. Wheat futures traded higher, but corn and soybean prices started out unchanged to lower. The latter gradually turned green as well in response to an array of threatening weather conditions and forecasts for Black Sea winter wheat, southern U.S. Plains HRW, Midwestern heat, Russian spring wheat, Brazilian second crop corn and Australian wheat. Stronger prices continued as trading resumed for the day session, but a good deal of the impetus behind the earlier rally had faded by midday. Word that the Trump administration was readying a list of $50 billion of Chinese goods that could be subject to 25 percent tariffs put a...
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.