Soybeans Brazil Brazil’s soybean market was quiet last week compared with after the U.S.-China trade war announcement when buyers became nervous and bought several vessels. Chinese crush margins were very good, so buyers were able to hedge their purchases. Basis dropped gradually but non-stop some week later, leaving it even weaker than before the trade dispute began. Two weeks ago, there was an escalation with Trump’s announcement of import taxes on a long list of Chinese products. China responded by announcing immediate retaliations and confirming the 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans. Both measures will begin on 6 July. However, this latest event did not bring any movement with just a few cargoes traded from Brazil for Oc...
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.