World Perspectives
livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins improved for the second straight week, adding more than $100/head to profits thanks to record highs in the beef market. Margins remain deeply negative, however, which will be a concern for cattle markets going forward. One encouraging factor is the broad-based strength across the beef market — from Prime down to Select grades and across primals. That suggests support is not from short-term demand for a few products but rather from a sustained shift in the beef demand curve. Feedlot profit margins for last week’s placements ...

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Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.065/bushel, up $0.0125 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.0275/bushel, down $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.4125/bushel, down $0.0125 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $291.8/short ton, down $...

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WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 18 August)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

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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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