USDA's projections for world corn production and consumption in 2016/17 are similar in pattern to those for 2015/16. However, there is a wild card in that global outlook.The corn market has been overshadowed by the soybean and soymeal markets in recent weeks as the buildup of speculative long-side interest in those two commodities has received the headlines. Concern over Argentine soybean production and quality gave some reason for a rally in soybean futures that pushed CME soybean open interest to record levels. Commercial buying supported CME soymeal, and this was augmented by surging speculative interest in the soymeal contract at China’s Dalian Exchange where some almost unbelievable volume records have been set. Yet, the CME corn futur...
What You Need to Know Today: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...
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.