World Perspectives

Mixed Signals on the Economy, Trade and Monetary Policy

The Federal Reserve has released it Beige Book summary of economic conditions around the country. Prominent was the plight of the ag economy, specifically deteriorating cash flow, credit payments and investment spending. Meanwhile, recent economic data together with the uncertain trade situation cloud up the crystal ball in terms of forecasts for the general economy. There have been several notable developments. - The April trade deficit was down to $50.8 billion from $51.9 billion in March. The drop was on both sides of the ledger sheet (i.e., reduced exports and imports). Exports were at their lowest monthly total in three years, but half of the decline was due to a drop in aircraft orders for Boeing due to the safety concerns over its 7...

Related Articles
feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: CBOT Sees Mixed Monday on Risk-off Trade; Feeder Cattle Rally on Import Ban

The holiday trading season is officially here, which means the CBOT will likely see fading volume and volatility until the new year. Ag markets reflected much of that sentiment on Monday with wheat and corn falling amid reduced concerns about the conflict in the Black Sea while soybeans and soy...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 25 November)

Update for 1 April 2024: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where ob...

Brooke Rollins: New Ag Secretary Pick

During the Presidential campaign, one topic on which Donad Trump was introspective was on his staff and cabinet appointments. He mentioned more than once on the campaign trail that getting the “right people” in jobs was one area in which he would focus the second time around. Typically Trump me...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: CBOT Sees Mixed Monday on Risk-off Trade; Feeder Cattle Rally on Import Ban

The holiday trading season is officially here, which means the CBOT will likely see fading volume and volatility until the new year. Ag markets reflected much of that sentiment on Monday with wheat and corn falling amid reduced concerns about the conflict in the Black Sea while soybeans and soy...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 25 November)

Update for 1 April 2024: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where ob...

Brooke Rollins: New Ag Secretary Pick

During the Presidential campaign, one topic on which Donad Trump was introspective was on his staff and cabinet appointments. He mentioned more than once on the campaign trail that getting the “right people” in jobs was one area in which he would focus the second time around. Typically Trump me...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 24 Corn closed at $4.2475/bushel, down $0.0075 from yesterday's close. Mar 25 Wheat closed at $5.5575/bushel, down $0.09 from yesterday's close. Jan 25 Soybeans closed at $9.8575/bushel, up $0.0225 from yesterday's close. Jan 25 Soymeal closed at $295.9/short ton, up $4.4 fro...

Image
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.

Search World Perspectives

Sign In to World Perspectives

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up