World Perspectives
livestock

Cattlemen Dinged on Leather

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed demand for fashion generally and this has reverberated to the leather industry. The hide, which is the largest component of slaughter’s byproducts, only adds about 3 percent to a rancher’s income but has nonetheless been important. A glut of hides in recent years coupled with a drop in U.S. exports has sent the price falling. Because of COVID, the export market for hides and skins fell by 22 percent during the first half of this year compared to 2019. The worse may be yet to come. Some theorize that once animal welfare advocates kill off the fur market, leather will be their next target. The decline in leather sales will not just hurt raw product producers like the U.S. but value-added processor...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Major Influences Yield Higher Day/Week

Markets moved higher today, with larger volumes trading in corn and winter wheat. While fundamentals remain broadly unchanged currently, there were several factors influencing prices. Winterkill: An outsized winter storm, possibly including ice, is descending on the U.S. winter wheat crop. Whil...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report

USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report was released today. Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.5 million head, or 97 percent of last year. Placements were higher than forecast, and marketings were near pre-report estimates. This was the quarterly report showing steers and heifers on feed...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.305/bushel, up $0.065 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.295/bushel, up $0.14 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.6775/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $299.9/short ton, up $3.7 from y...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Major Influences Yield Higher Day/Week

Markets moved higher today, with larger volumes trading in corn and winter wheat. While fundamentals remain broadly unchanged currently, there were several factors influencing prices. Winterkill: An outsized winter storm, possibly including ice, is descending on the U.S. winter wheat crop. Whil...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report

USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report was released today. Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.5 million head, or 97 percent of last year. Placements were higher than forecast, and marketings were near pre-report estimates. This was the quarterly report showing steers and heifers on feed...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.305/bushel, up $0.065 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.295/bushel, up $0.14 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.6775/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $299.9/short ton, up $3.7 from y...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for January 9-15, 2026. Wheat: Net sales of 618,100 metric tons (MT) for 2025/2026 were up noticeably from the previous week and from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 372,400 MT were up 23 percent from the previous week, but down 3 percent from the prior...

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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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