Corn and soybean futures have been lackluster in recent weeks but several factors are pointing to a more interesting future. COMMON THREAD: Bits and Pieces: Bob Kohlmeyer USDA’s 29 September small grain report and quarterly stocks estimates have come and gone. China is on holiday. Today’s weekly export sales report was unexciting. The soybean and corn harvest has been moving along rather slowly, but for the rest of the week it will be slowed by rain over much of the Midwest, parts of which badly need it. The next opportunity for grain and soy futures markets to gain significant new input will be the October WASDE, but it will not be out until 12 October, more than a week away. Though we may be in the middle of the fall harvest...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.