Regional News WPI sources indicate EU and Black Sea exporters are becoming concerned about the lack of export business booked for the 2019/20 crop year. With wheat and grain crops expected to be well above last year’s levels, they are looking to book exports early. These two dynamics could lead to aggressive offers as the summer wears on. Ukraine’s state-run grain firm GPZKU said last week that it exported 48.9 MMT of grain for MY 2018/19 with corn dominating those shipments. Meanwhile, Russia’s biggest grain export terminals have reportedly introduced take-or-pay terms for exporters and traders, a move is designed to boost export volumes. Sources say the contracts include reduced rail tariffs as an incentive for export...
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.