World Perspectives
livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins fell over $100/head for the second straight week to hit - $151/head, which is among the worst margins in the past decade. The culprit for weaker margins was an $11/cwt pullback in the Choice cutout and other beef values while fed cattle prices were steady/slightly higher. Packers tried to delay purchases last week, but ended up having to pay for spot cattle to fill beef orders. As margins weaken again, the threat of suspended weekend kills and reduced slaughter rates increases as a threat to fed cattle values. Feedlot profit margins for last week’s placements turned $134/head higher ...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Friday’s CFTC report showed funds further expanding long positions across the major ag futures contracts for the ninth straight week. Funds added 32,000 contracts (3.8 percent) to their all-ags net long position – a much smaller effort than the prior week’s 244,000-contract bu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.655/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9525/bushel, down $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $328/short ton, down $...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Pragmatic Escape Ahead of Weekend

On Monday of this week, traders were met with limit-down losses in soybeans, plus double-digit losses in corn, soymeal, and wheat. For many, it didn’t feel good. The war in Iran presented surprises, including the postponement of a Trump-Xi meeting expected to sell some soybeans. Fundament...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Friday’s CFTC report showed funds further expanding long positions across the major ag futures contracts for the ninth straight week. Funds added 32,000 contracts (3.8 percent) to their all-ags net long position – a much smaller effort than the prior week’s 244,000-contract bu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.655/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9525/bushel, down $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $328/short ton, down $...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Pragmatic Escape Ahead of Weekend

On Monday of this week, traders were met with limit-down losses in soybeans, plus double-digit losses in corn, soymeal, and wheat. For many, it didn’t feel good. The war in Iran presented surprises, including the postponement of a Trump-Xi meeting expected to sell some soybeans. Fundament...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report: Neutral

USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.5 million head, just slightly below last year.  Marketings were 1.52 million head, at 93 percent of last year, in line with the pre...

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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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