World Perspectives
biofuel farm-inputs energy

Understanding the U.S. Crude Oil Market

The boom in U.S. crude oil production has been a game changer in terms of handling and refining crude oil as well as supply. This is impacting the market as are several other factors.There are many type of crude oil produced around the world with differing quality characteristics. The two most important qualities that define crude oil are density and sulfur content. Density is described as heavy or light and from high to low. Sulfur content is described as sour or sweet and also from high to low. Over the years, U.S. refineries have been built to handle a certain type of oil, much of it imported and heavy. Then came the U.S. oil boom with a lighter and sweeter type than the kind that the U.S. refining capacity (built up over decades with bi...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Corn Firms on Surprise Export Demand; Soy Complex Drifts Lower

The CBOT was mixed on Tuesday following Monday’s drubbing across the grains and oilseeds markets. Tuesday saw continued selling pressure in the soy complex as funds turn increasingly bearish amid a favorable supply outlook for 2025. The grains sector saw a bit more support with wheat risi...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 5 May)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.555/bushel, up $0.0125 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.36/bushel, up $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.4125/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $293/short ton, down $2.5 fr...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Corn Firms on Surprise Export Demand; Soy Complex Drifts Lower

The CBOT was mixed on Tuesday following Monday’s drubbing across the grains and oilseeds markets. Tuesday saw continued selling pressure in the soy complex as funds turn increasingly bearish amid a favorable supply outlook for 2025. The grains sector saw a bit more support with wheat risi...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 5 May)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.555/bushel, up $0.0125 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.36/bushel, up $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.4125/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $293/short ton, down $2.5 fr...

Dollar Exchange Rate Impacts on Trade

President Trump is using tariffs to rectify what he asserts is the unfair practices by other countries. He also accuses trading partners of currency manipulation. He is correct that currency exchange rates impact the competitiveness of U.S. exports. USDA’s Economic Research Service mainta...

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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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