In yesterday’s report, looking forward to today’s WASDE, we noted that all eyes should go to the meat and broiler export forecasts “as trade is the driver” for 2020. As it turned out, nothing changed on those forecasts. It would appear that the Japan-U.S. deal was already factored in, and it was indeed too early for USDA to fully include the China deal. On the topic of China, a trade team from Beijing is expected in Washington on Monday for the signing of the pact next Wednesday. Also note, we’ve learned that a U.S. team may go to China as early as the first week of February, ostensibly for the kickoff of Phase Two talks … but right now, that is tentative, at best. There is still news to come abo...
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
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.