CBOT markets opened sharply lower on Tuesday as profit taking and pre-holiday position evening/liquidation pressured markets. Rumors of China cancelling some of its soybean bookings from the U.S. further pressured values, as did thoughts that some U.S. February shipments could be switched to Brazil. Wheat was the upside leader as world demand is looking firmer heading into the New Year. Afternoon confirmation that La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean are strengthening helped pull soybeans and corn off the day’s lows and to nearly unchanged or slightly higher closes. The latest ENSO forecast confirmed that La Nina conditions are present and issued a 95 percent chance that the weather event will continue into Q1 2021. The fore...
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.