The war in the Ukraine has now entered year three, after initial predictions in February 2022 that it would last two weeks. As a general rule of thumb, the war has caused more anxiety over ag trade than actual disruptions. A good proxy for looking at what has happened is the trade in sunflower seed and oil, as the region is a major supplier. As WPI’s Black Sea Analysis this week noted, exports from Russia and the Ukraine remain strong. Further, as Gary Blumenthal wrote about the grain stocks and planting intentions reports, sunflower stocks were up and planting intentions are down dramatically.
Sunflower acres in North Dakota are down to the third lowest since records began in 1974. For the remaining produc...
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...