World Perspectives
livestock

Arbitraging Energy

Food prices have increased but not as much as energy costs. The latest CPI data shows food at home increased year-on-year in April by 10.8 percent, and by even more for animal proteins. However, the cost of gasoline has jumped from $2.948/gallon in April 2021 to $4.213/gallon last month. U.S. energy costs are a third less than Japan’s, and only half as much as Germany’s. Energy is about 14 percent of U.S. agricultural production costs and likely a larger share in most countries, though it is substantially less a cost burden in Russia. Because shipping water is expensive and even more so when bunker oil prices are high, countries that produce food and extract its water using lower energy costs are more competitive in global mark...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Soybean Sales to China Fail to Impress CBOT

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2975/bushel, down $0.07 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.495/bushel, down $0.095 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.3625/bushel, down $0.1725 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $318.9/short ton, down $8...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Soybean Sales to China Fail to Impress CBOT

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2975/bushel, down $0.07 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.495/bushel, down $0.095 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.3625/bushel, down $0.1725 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $318.9/short ton, down $8...

livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins strengthened for the fourth straight week and posted one of their largest weekly gains of the year. Margins rose $42/head to $57 as fed cattle prices slipped another $4/cwt and the cutout held near recent highs. The move pushed packer profits to their firmest levels since ea...

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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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