World Perspectives

Deep Water; Economic Truth; Double Squeeze; WTO Weaknesses

Deep Water USDA ignored the advice of the National Organic Standards Board (NAOB) and organic hardliners by allowing the continued use of carrageenan in organic-labeled foods. Carrageenan is extracted from seaweed that is grown naturally (sans human involvement) in the sea and then typically dried by the sun. Critics contended that some studies showed laboratory animals incurring intestinal problems from consuming the thickening agent. The problem with that argument is that “some” studies can be found that would show the same observation about any substance deemed organic, natural or conventional. They could equally have argued that the sun is radiation, and therefore carrageenan will irradiate people. The real problem is that...

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Market Commentary: Some Weekend Pullbacks but Nothing Scary

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2325/bushel, down $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.125/bushel, down $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.4175/bushel, down $0.03 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $294.1/short ton, up $1.8...

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Trump’s Beef Market Fiasco: The Why and Wherefores of Market Fundamentals

As Matt Herrington and Gary Blumenthal covered Wednesday, Trump has announced big plans for the beef market (Market Commentary, Disconnected Beef) which were largely a bust. Gary wrote, “Live cattle futures pulled back sharply on Wednesday with no apparent fundamental catalyst, other than...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Some Weekend Pullbacks but Nothing Scary

It was a pause and reflect day for some contracts, and more getting beat down for the cattle market. The latter invoking more limit-down safeguards. There were slight gains for soymeal, HRW and hogs, with the rest of the complex showing red. There was good volume for a Friday in corn, soybeans,...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2325/bushel, down $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.125/bushel, down $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.4175/bushel, down $0.03 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $294.1/short ton, up $1.8...

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Trump’s Beef Market Fiasco: The Why and Wherefores of Market Fundamentals

As Matt Herrington and Gary Blumenthal covered Wednesday, Trump has announced big plans for the beef market (Market Commentary, Disconnected Beef) which were largely a bust. Gary wrote, “Live cattle futures pulled back sharply on Wednesday with no apparent fundamental catalyst, other than...

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Forecasting 2026 Cattle Inventories: Beef and Dairy Herd Increases Expected

The cattle industry – and beef in particular – has been in the headlines more than usual this year with record-breaking prices for beef and cattle. The market dynamics – long known and anticipated by the industry – have even draw the attention of President Trump, who imm...

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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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