World Perspectives
livestock

Higher Number of Smaller Cattle Impacts Beef Production

How much longer will cattle trend toward lighter slaughter weights?Today’s WASDE report lowered earlier estimates of total 2017 beef production based on lighter-weight cattle. This was despite a higher number being harvested and the trend toward even higher slaughter rates in the second half of the year.Current prices for fed cattle are strong and steady as a result of packers covering orders and the fewer cattle grading at choice, which has led to the former spending more for higher grade. That should all change, however, as record-high feedlot placements will lead to increased slaughter totals and bearish fed cattle prices later this summer. Slaughter is already running 5.7 percent ahead of last year with beef production up only 3.8 perce...

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Market Commentary: Geopolitics, Energy, and Macro Correlations Shape Agricultural Markets

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May 26 Corn closed at $4.4375/bushel, down $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.6825/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.695/bushel, down $0.01 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $309.9/short ton, down $...

livestock

Livestock Round Up: Preview of Feedlot Placements and Changing Canada Dynamics

Feeder cattle sales were up over a year ago in February, but much of that was due to February 2025 sales being light. Still, the increase in activity bears watching, both for what it implies about feedlot placements and for herd rebuilding.  In the four weeks ending February 27, total feed...

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Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.4375/bushel, down $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.6825/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.695/bushel, down $0.01 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $309.9/short ton, down $...

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Market Commentary: Fundamentals in the Backseat; Conflict Impacts Driving Markets

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From WPI Consulting

Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming

WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.

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