The CBOT was weaker overnight with rains for the Corn Belt pressuring the market. The day session, however, saw corn emerge as the upside leader on technical factors and news of severe crop damage following an Iowa windstorm. Corn and the soy complex traded higher and funds are cautiously watching for a reason to jump back on the long side of the market, but wheat futures continue to see selling pressure. Fresh outside news has been light, and the CBOT continues to trade updated weather forecasts and export sales news/rumors. The latest ocean temperature data show conditions in the Pacific Ocean are developing into a La Nina (cooler ocean temperatures across the equatorial Pacific), which would be the second time in as many years. La...
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.