World Perspectives
feed-grains

Corn Price Volatility and Inflation

Inflation is hitting agriculture hard. The cost of inputs like seed, fertilizer, and chemicals are rising much faster than core inflation. Because corn is more input intensive, this spring may see fewer acres planted to the crop than soybeans. While stocks fare poorly in inflationary periods, the rush of investment into commodities may not be a cure-all. The correlation of the price of corn to CPI changes is not great, which is why investment analysts advise capping investments in commodities at 3 percent of a portfolio. Duke University’s Campbell Harvey cautions that even gold is not a great hedge against inflation unless viewed over a very long period.  In 1974, general inflation jumped to 11.1 percent, and the price of corn r...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Reports Offer Few Surprises, Weather Dominates Trade Outlook

The USDA’s Grain Stocks and Acreage reports dominated the CBOT’s attention on Monday with the Noon ET release of both datasets driving the day’s action. There were relatively few surprises in the report but minor deviations from expectations helped create support in new crop s...

Un-Trade Agreements; Ag in Big Beautiful Bill; CAP Controversy

Un-Trade Agreements It did not take long for Canadian officials to reverse their digital services tax after President Trump threatened to end trade negotiations. Canada is second only to Mexico in terms of trade dependence on the U.S. Many Canadian producers are already hurting from trade sanct...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 30 June)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Reports Offer Few Surprises, Weather Dominates Trade Outlook

The USDA’s Grain Stocks and Acreage reports dominated the CBOT’s attention on Monday with the Noon ET release of both datasets driving the day’s action. There were relatively few surprises in the report but minor deviations from expectations helped create support in new crop s...

Un-Trade Agreements; Ag in Big Beautiful Bill; CAP Controversy

Un-Trade Agreements It did not take long for Canadian officials to reverse their digital services tax after President Trump threatened to end trade negotiations. Canada is second only to Mexico in terms of trade dependence on the U.S. Many Canadian producers are already hurting from trade sanct...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 30 June)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Sep 25 Corn closed at $4.0925/bushel, down $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.3825/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.27/bushel, up $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Aug 25 Soymeal closed at $275.8/short ton, up $0.2...

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From WPI Consulting

Forecasting developments in production agriculture

On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.

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