World Perspectives

Farm Income and Expenses Reflect Market and Economy

Amid the news of an agreement to restart China-U.S. trade talks, China’s undefined promise to buy more U.S. commodities and the anticipation as well as uncertainty about the fate of the USMCA, USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released its 2018 net farm income forecast. The estimates are as expected with large supplies, trade disputes, volatile global markets and a strong general economy. Nominal cash receipts are steady, inflation-adjusted receipts are down, and inputs and operations are more expensive, and government payments are up. Cash receipts will be up slightly on volume, driven by early-in-the-year sales prior to the tariffs placed on U.S. commodities by China, Canada, Mexico and others. For all commodities, cash...

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Cattle of Feed - Sep 2025

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Markets were over-weight on the Xi – Trump phone call this morning. The phone call went well enough but after it became clear there was no deal on ag or soybeans, the latter turned south. Beans and meal had traded higher overnight and at the open, but like all three wheats, closed on loss...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.24/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.225/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.255/bushel, down $0.12 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $284/short ton, down $0.7 fro...

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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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