The CBOT started the week higher in modest-volume trade. Trading volume has been limited following the November WASDE as market participants have turned to closely watching demand signals, rather than the more volatile supply-side factors. The soy complex was the upside leader today with soyoil firming from the start. Corn dipped lower after the open but rallied on rumors of China export business. Wheat futures broke lower but struggled to hold those losses as the corn market moved higher. After mid-day, wheat sellers had given up and the market settled higher. Funds are thought to be net buyers in corn and soybeans by 3,000-5,000 contracts and likely bought some 1,500-2,000 contracts of wheat. Weekend rains in Brazil were insufficient to...
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.