World Perspectives

Tariff Adjustment/Musk; Cynical Biden Trade Goals; Biofuel Proposal Disappoints

Tariff Adjustment /MuskRecognizing the inflation threat of sudden and large import tariffs, Donald Trump’s economic team: Scott Bessent (Treasury), Kevin Hassett (National Economic Council), and Stephen Miran (Council of Economic Advisers) are reportedly working on a plan of more gradual 2-5 percent monthly increases in tariff rates until trading partners concede to White House demands for improved trading terms. Separately, China has refuted the story, but it is reported that Elon Musk is considered a possible buyer for TikTok if the court rules it must be sold to continue operating in the U.S. Over half of Tesla’s cars are manufactured in China and Musk supports Beijing’s position on Taiwan. U.S. agriculture may wish to court Musk as...

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Market Commentary: Trade Deal, Retaliation List, Mixed Outcomes

Soybeans and soyoil held their gains from higher overnight closes, but the guidance of being higher to neutral overnight in corn, wheat and meal was rejected by day traders. Neither solid corn export sales, weather concerns in European and Chinese wheat, nor the prospect of trade agreement reli...

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Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for April 25-May 1, 2025.  Wheat: Net sales of 69,700 metric tons (MT) for 2024/2025 were down 3 percent from the previous week, but up noticeably from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 493,500 MT were unchanged from the previous week, but up 10 perce...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.475/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.2925/bushel, down $0.05 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.45/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $294.7/short ton, down $0.3...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Trade Deal, Retaliation List, Mixed Outcomes

Soybeans and soyoil held their gains from higher overnight closes, but the guidance of being higher to neutral overnight in corn, wheat and meal was rejected by day traders. Neither solid corn export sales, weather concerns in European and Chinese wheat, nor the prospect of trade agreement reli...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for April 25-May 1, 2025.  Wheat: Net sales of 69,700 metric tons (MT) for 2024/2025 were down 3 percent from the previous week, but up noticeably from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 493,500 MT were unchanged from the previous week, but up 10 perce...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.475/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.2925/bushel, down $0.05 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.45/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $294.7/short ton, down $0.3...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: North American Beef and Pork Forecast

The U.S. beef cow herd stabilized somewhat in 2024. The average culling rate was 10.5 percent, but with a beef cow herd of 28 million, the cull rate would have to be around 9 percent – or less – and heifer retention must increase in order to enter into an expansion phase.  ...

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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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