World Perspectives

Keeping Competition Domestic; Forest for the Trees

Keeping Competition Domestic Trade disputes of any kind tend to spill over into agriculture and so it is a good idea for aggies to pay attention to all of them, and that includes the growing problem in digital services. The U.S. Trade Representative concluded a Section 301investigation into the Digital Services Tax employed by Austria, Spain, and the UK and found them discriminatory. More countries will be joining the list and then the Biden Administration will be faced with what to do about it. But it does not stop with just taxes. Germany is set to amend its Act Against Restraints on Competition, a version of American antitrust law, to go after Big Tech.  And then there is the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which will make Big Tec...

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Market Commentary: Funds Remain Bearish Ag Space Despite U.S.-China Trade Talks

The CBOT turned higher overnight after late Tuesday announcement of a China/U.S. meeting in Switzerland to discuss tariffs and reduce trade tensions. The first step in what is likely to be a prolonged process was welcomed by the industry as it at least shows a willingness from both parties to t...

It’s Complicated

This is a list of vignettes about the most consequential politician of our times. Donald Trump is not complicated if one just reads the rants of his opponents, of which there is a lengthy list. But as the journalist Matthew Continetti says, “Trump criticism is an oversaturated market.&rdq...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.4925/bushel, down $0.0625 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.3425/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.3925/bushel, down $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $295/short ton, up $2 f...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Funds Remain Bearish Ag Space Despite U.S.-China Trade Talks

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It’s Complicated

This is a list of vignettes about the most consequential politician of our times. Donald Trump is not complicated if one just reads the rants of his opponents, of which there is a lengthy list. But as the journalist Matthew Continetti says, “Trump criticism is an oversaturated market.&rdq...

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Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.4925/bushel, down $0.0625 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.3425/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.3925/bushel, down $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $295/short ton, up $2 f...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 7 May)

Transportation and Freight Market Comments - 2 May 2025 By Matt Herrington Dry-Bulk Ocean Freight Dry bulk markets are finding some support from spot and 30-day demand but the Section 301 rules are depressing grain demand past July. Cargo orders from northern Brazil are increasing as South Amer...

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From WPI Consulting

Forecasting developments in production agriculture

On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.

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