Wheat, corn and soybean markets are behaving like the corn and soybean harvests, continuing to slog along as if stuck in the mud. Perhaps that is the way it should be at this point in the marketing year. The U.S. still has 70 percent or so of what appears to be record corn and soybean crops still to be harvested. It’s raining across much of the southern Plains as the 2019 hard red winter wheat crop is being planted, and current estimates suggest those plantings could be 5-10 percent above last year. Meanwhile, the trade war with China shows no sign of being resolved. Coupled with record world soybean supplies, that will make it very tough to find a soybean rally in the near or even distant future. Russia continues to hit almost every...
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.
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...