USDA released its revised acreage and 1 June quarterly stocks estimates at 12 p.m.(EDT) today. The acreage numbers for corn and spring wheat were slightly bigger than the average trade guess and along that of spring wheat also above the March planting intentions estimates but below those of 2017. Many analysts, including WPI, had expected a smaller spring wheat acreage estimate with a drop of as much as 500,000 acres from the March number. The report also showed that U.S. farmers planted more soybeans than corn. The real surprise is that soybean acres weren’t significantly larger considering the relative strength of soybean prices versus corn throughout the winter and into the spring planting season. If there was a minor disappointm...
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
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.