World Perspectives
livestock softs

It’s Hard to Make Some People Happy

Ironically, the most protected industry in U.S. agriculture is complaining that its farmers are disadvantaged, and it makes an emotional appeal with an economically-flawed statistic.Some people are hard to please. No matter what is done for them, they always see dark clouds on the horizon or feel slighted. Despite a level playing field, handouts, bailouts and other given advantages, some folks continuously feel they are fighting an uphill battle. Agriculture is hardly immune from this response, as a recent social media post would suggest.The American Sugar Alliance posted the following picture on its Facebook page in apparent protest of the fact that sugar prices haven’t changed in 20 years despite a 300 percent hike in candy prices. While...

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Remembering 9-11

Twenty-four years ago, on September 11, 2001, the U.S. experienced one of the most tragic and influential days in the nation’s history. The events of that day would spark great unity, and later division, as our nation grappled with terrorism’s fallout. The days and weeks immediately...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Calm for the Day but Geopolitics Hint at Looming Volatility

The CBOT was solidly in the red on Wednesday while cattle futures regained some of their former strength. Markets had to process multiple headlines at the national/international political level, which led to some mild risk-off trade. Mostly, however, for grains, the looming WASDE dominated the...

Wheat from the Chaff; Europe Gets Squeezed

Wheat from the Chaff An agricultural meeting in Arkansas last week drew 400 to 500 farmers, a much larger group than expected at harvest time. They vented their angst over low commodity prices, high input costs, and consequently low profitability. One estimate from bankers is that farm bankrupt...

Remembering 9-11

Twenty-four years ago, on September 11, 2001, the U.S. experienced one of the most tragic and influential days in the nation’s history. The events of that day would spark great unity, and later division, as our nation grappled with terrorism’s fallout. The days and weeks immediately...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Calm for the Day but Geopolitics Hint at Looming Volatility

The CBOT was solidly in the red on Wednesday while cattle futures regained some of their former strength. Markets had to process multiple headlines at the national/international political level, which led to some mild risk-off trade. Mostly, however, for grains, the looming WASDE dominated the...

Wheat from the Chaff; Europe Gets Squeezed

Wheat from the Chaff An agricultural meeting in Arkansas last week drew 400 to 500 farmers, a much larger group than expected at harvest time. They vented their angst over low commodity prices, high input costs, and consequently low profitability. One estimate from bankers is that farm bankrupt...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.17/bushel, down $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.15/bushel, down $0.0525 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.2525/bushel, down $0.06 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $285.8/short ton, down $3.2...

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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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