As noted before, it is the U.S. Census Bureau rather than USDA that keeps the official count of grain, soybean and soy product exports. USDA’s FGIS keeps a tab on the volume of grain and soybeans inspected for export each week, and its FAS operates its export sales reporting system. The latter requires exporters to report sales and shipments each week, including for soy products, and it keeps a running tally on export shipments through each crop cycle. The combined USDA data provides timely ways to follow the pace of export shipments, but it is the monthly report on international trade from the Census Bureau, which is based on customs clearance data, that provides the official numbers. There is usually some variation among the export...
What You Need to Know Today: As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75–4.00 percent, its first rate increase since 2023, as policymakers respond to persistent inflation pressures. The Fed also signaled that additi...
Key Takeaways: USDA data access is equal; the ability to use it is not. Larger operations can afford experts who turn public reports into business decisions. Analytical capacity is the true advantage. Forecasts matter only when converted into profit, purchasing, and risk-management decisions...
Russian Grain Markets: 7–11 September 2026 During the first week of September, the Russian grain market remained volatile but predominantly bearish. Among the few commodities that continued to show a bullish trend was rye, which is in short supply this year and has few offers available. I...
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.