Wheat futures rallied to start the week on increasing conflict in the Black Sea with Ukraine targeting Russian ocean vessels and adding new uncertainties to the region’s grain trade abilities. Wheat was only the first of two major ag markets (lean hogs being the other) to end the day higher, however, with corn, the soy complex, and cattle futures all turning lower. Favorable rains for the Midwest over the weekend sent soybeans to a 30+ cent/bushel loss for the day and continued to wrestle corn under $5. Fund activity was mixed with moderate short covering in wheat, heavy selling in the soy complex, and essentially neutral positioning in corn. WPI readers will well know that the USDA’s August WASDE report comes out this Friday, a...
After spending much of the year searching for a reason to stay, the bulls suddenly have several. Grain markets have strengthened, wheat is leading the charge, outside markets are becoming more supportive, and geopolitical and weather risks are once again demanding attention. Does that mean the...
Key Takeaways: Cover crops are gaining adoption as farmers seek to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and build more resilient cropping systems. While cover crops do not provide immediate revenue, their long-term benefits include improved nutrient retention, water management, and soil produc...
The latest EIA data showed some interesting anomalies in the ethanol industry, changes that will have a material impact on the industry’s profits and corn consumption for 2025/26 and early 2026/27. The EIA reported that ethanol production fell 4.8 percent for the week ending 10 July...
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.