World Perspectives
feed-grains

Budget Flaws and Self-Flagellation

Budget Proposal Flaws: Like all budget proposals from various presidents, the Obama Administration's proposed FY 2014 spending request reflects a political document with little likelihood of congressional enactment. Cuts in crop insurance subsidies, user fees to boost CFTC staffing and other ideas face stiff opposition. The Administration requests a 9 percent boost in money for the Office of the Secretary at USDA, which would mean a 20 percent total increase since 2012. Illustrating there are no new ideas, just the recycling of past failures, it requests the creation of a USDA Chief Evaluation Officer. The laudable objective is for this officer to "support evidence-based policymaking" -- a rarity in Washington, both in the past and the fu...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.535/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.8375/bushel, up $0.155 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.7925/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $309.3/short ton, down $0.6 f...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Middle East Turmoil Keeps Commodities Higher

War-related upward pressure in petroleum prices continues to provide support to grain prices. Brent crude oil hit $85/barrel and WTI crude rose 8.5 percent, its biggest jump since July 2024 and the first time above $80/barrel in over a year. HRW hit its highest price in a year, corn broke throu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for February 20-26, 2026. Wheat: Net sales of 203,100 metric tons (MT) for 2025/2026 were down 16 percent from the previous week and 42 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 348,900 MT were down 35 percent from the previous week and 24 percent fro...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.535/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.8375/bushel, up $0.155 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.7925/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $309.3/short ton, down $0.6 f...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Middle East Turmoil Keeps Commodities Higher

War-related upward pressure in petroleum prices continues to provide support to grain prices. Brent crude oil hit $85/barrel and WTI crude rose 8.5 percent, its biggest jump since July 2024 and the first time above $80/barrel in over a year. HRW hit its highest price in a year, corn broke throu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for February 20-26, 2026. Wheat: Net sales of 203,100 metric tons (MT) for 2025/2026 were down 16 percent from the previous week and 42 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 348,900 MT were down 35 percent from the previous week and 24 percent fro...

livestock

Livestock Round Up: Preview of Feedlot Placements and Changing Canada Dynamics

Feeder cattle sales were up over a year ago in February, but much of that was due to February 2025 sales being light. Still, the increase in activity bears watching, both for what it implies about feedlot placements and for herd rebuilding.  In the four weeks ending February 27, total feed...

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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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