For the past few weeks, the soybean futures market has been living largely on hope. At this writing, the January soybean contract is at $8.815, down 1.75 cents from Monday’s close after trading as high as $8.9075 today. Meanwhile, cash basis bids for soybeans have been creeping higher from the recent historically low levels as processors and exporters try to pry soybeans loose from farmers intent on storing them with hope for better prices in the months ahead. Soybean futures prices in the range of $8.80-$8.90 may seem very low in absolute terms, but they are well above the recent low of $8.2275 in mid-September. They are more than 60 cents higher than two months ago even though USDA’s estimate of ending 2018/19 U.S. stocks hav...
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.