World Perspectives
livestock

Cattle on Feed Report: Record February Placements

USDA released the monthly Cattle on Feed report today. As has been the case more often than not since mid-2023, actual placements have exceeded the pre-report estimates.  Coming into today’s report the consensus estimate among analysts was for placements to be 106 percent of last year’s total. As WPI wrote yesterday, weather last year was expected to have an impact. Weather conditions kept a lid on February 2023 placements, and 2024 January weather led to fewer cattle being placed, deferring them into February. As WPI wrote after the 1 February Cattle on Feed report, as January’s “wet and muddy conditions have improved, it is likely that February placements have rebounded.” And rebound they did. Actual...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Sell The Fact Trade Drives Turnaround Tuesday

The big news in commodity markets Tuesday was USDA’s confirmation that China purchased nearly 800 KMT of soybeans from the U.S. on Monday. That news was corroborated by news stories saying China booked over 20 cargoes from the PNW and Gulf with basis levels rising in both locations as if...

AI Beats Techphobia; Copout 30; Regional Competition

AI Beats Techphobia Germany and France are now seeking delays in implementing the EU’s AI Act and its effort to restrain high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Fear of being left behind prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to argue it is necessary “to use this time in order...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.3675/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.59/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.535/bushel, down $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $327/short ton, down $3.8 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Sell The Fact Trade Drives Turnaround Tuesday

The big news in commodity markets Tuesday was USDA’s confirmation that China purchased nearly 800 KMT of soybeans from the U.S. on Monday. That news was corroborated by news stories saying China booked over 20 cargoes from the PNW and Gulf with basis levels rising in both locations as if...

AI Beats Techphobia; Copout 30; Regional Competition

AI Beats Techphobia Germany and France are now seeking delays in implementing the EU’s AI Act and its effort to restrain high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Fear of being left behind prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to argue it is necessary “to use this time in order...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.3675/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.59/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.535/bushel, down $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $327/short ton, down $3.8 from...

Stage Two of SDRP Announced

Now that the government has re-opened, the USDA announced yesterday that starting on 24 November producers can enroll in the second wave of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). The program covers eligible commodities that did not fall under the first application process. SDRP was ap...

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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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