The extremely slow pace of corn planting in the U.S. was previously discussed in the 13 May analysis (click here). The eastern Corn Belt is especially affected, and the soybean planting pace is equally slow. The markets hadn’t responded to this problem up until last Monday’s crop progress report, but it certainly took notice the balance of this week. December corn futures gained more than 30 cents heading into today’s trading session. December Chicago wheat’s gains were even more impressive, gaining 40-50 cents. Funds have been building record-large short positions in corn and wheat for months without any meaningful risk. The setback in the U.S./China trade talks seemed to make them bulletproof. The problem, of cour...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.