The Fed continues to describe inflation as transient but said this week it is prepared to raise interest rates if proven wrong. Several business leaders are certain it is a larger problem than just being transient. Both have compelling narratives, but which is correct? Farmers are complaining about the rising cost of inputs, but they should benefit from elevated commodity prices, assuming the value of the dollar does not work against them. A larger problem would be to have spent on inputs and then have drought wipe out any profits from production. But that is a reason to carry federally subsidized insurance. The current bent towards drought may not be a passing fancy. NOAA’s recent models place a 51 percent chance of a return o...
Key Takeaways: The CME Group is launching new 90 percent Lean Beef and 50 percent Lean Beef futures and options contracts in July. There are five key factors that must be present in physical markets and futures contract specifications for futures contracts to become successful. The two l...
Russian Grain Markets: 29 June-3 July 2026 The new marketing season has officially begun in Russia, although bearish sentiment has been concentrated in the southern regions closest to the Black Sea ports, where export demand has been weakest. Delays in grain deliveries to inland elevators have...
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.