World Perspectives
livestock

Record Breaking Cow-Calf Profitability for 2025

With October and the fall calf run now officially here, the beef industry is getting its first look at the realized profitability of many cow-calf operations. Most operations wean and market calves in the fall, starting in September or early October and running through December, which means Q4 prices and basis levels are hugely influential on industry profits. Early results, as should be no surprise, show the industry is in amazing financial shape with record-breaking profits realized so far.  2025 Outlook The October rally in feeder cattle futures, which put values at new all-time highs, has certainly helped cow-calf producer profitability. Kansas feeder steers are selling near $405/cwt for 700-800-lb animals, which equates to a posit...

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WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry-bulk markets were mixed this past week with paper values rising as the Chinese holiday ended, but physical values seeing little of the same enthusiasm.  Capesize freight rates were volatile last week after China’s port-fee announcement on 9 October. The fees, as expected, forced...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mixed But Fruitful Day of Adjustments

Agricultural futures might be called mixed on the day, though that is upbeat by itself. There was a continuation of the bear wheat/bull beef story with a new contract low printed in HRS, and a new contract high in cattle. The corn market continued its rebound story on potential yield declines c...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2175/bushel, up $0.05 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.025/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.1075/bushel, up $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $276.9/short ton, up $1 from y...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry-bulk markets were mixed this past week with paper values rising as the Chinese holiday ended, but physical values seeing little of the same enthusiasm.  Capesize freight rates were volatile last week after China’s port-fee announcement on 9 October. The fees, as expected, forced...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mixed But Fruitful Day of Adjustments

Agricultural futures might be called mixed on the day, though that is upbeat by itself. There was a continuation of the bear wheat/bull beef story with a new contract low printed in HRS, and a new contract high in cattle. The corn market continued its rebound story on potential yield declines c...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2175/bushel, up $0.05 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.025/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.1075/bushel, up $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $276.9/short ton, up $1 from y...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Quick Hits – Feeder Cattle, Chicken Nuggets, China Hogs, Turkey and U.S. Brazil Trade Talks

Feeder Cattle Hit Record Highs: Feeder cattle contracts are trading at $382.725/cwt, a record high, including adjusted for inflation. The previous peak was $320 in today’s dollars. Futures across the board remain elevated, averaging about $380/cwt, an indication that tight supplies will l...

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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.

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