The February and March USDA WASDE (supply and demand) estimates rarely make any significant changes as they come during a dead spot in world markets and growing seasons. The only time they might be bullish is when their release occurs amid a severe weather problem in Brazil and Argentina. That is not the case today, although Brazil’s soybean crop is around 10 percent smaller than expected at the time it was being planted. These reports can be slightly bearish if demand estimates for U.S. grains and oilseeds are reduced due to a slower-than-expected/needed export pace, which was the situation with today’s WASDE. USDA lowered the forecasts for corn and wheat exports as well as for corn used in ethanol production. The results were...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
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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...