The CBOT was sharply higher in trade that continued the bullish reaction to Thursday’s WASDE report. All three wheat classes and new crop corn futures scored new contract highs, though CBOT wheat and corn pulled back to post modest losses for the day. Soybeans rallied sharply and are moving towards the high side of their trade range after China returned to the U.S. to secure old crop supplies. Even lean hog futures got in on the bullish trade and rallied $2.40-$3.35/cwt on short covering. The major loser for the day was the live cattle contract where funds were still net sellers and pushed the market below major technical support. Funds were net buyers across the board on Friday as USDA’s latest assessment points to continued ti...
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.