World Perspectives
livestock

Livestock Roundup: Livestock Shedding Pounds?; Pork Plant Line Speed Rule Blocked

Livestock Shedding Pounds? Hog producers have been caught in a whipsaw of low hog prices due to tariffs, a dramatic rally (given the African swine fever situation in China that has since ebbed), and now rising feed costs due to the uncertain planting situation. In short, corn prices are likely to put a squeeze on hog producers, and market weight is one of the variables that is most under feeders’ control in the short run. Slaughter weights are still running at 287 pounds. Given a projected increase of 4.4 percent in pork production for the second half of 2019, an across-the-board drop of 4 pounds in average slaughter weight could reduce supplies by about 1.4 percent by bringing production down to about 13.74 billion pounds for that...

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Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.635/bushel, down $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Wheat closed at $6.1675/bushel, down $0.035 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.785/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soymeal closed at $319.1/short ton, up $2.6...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mixed Week and a Mixed Outlook

This is the limbo period between the expectations and reality of a new crop going into the ground. Prices gyrate in a narrow range, awaiting something more definitive than planting “intentions.” The bears see a planting pace off to a quick start, the bulls see ground that in many pl...

Kevin Warsh’s Confirmation Hearings and Policy Directions

Kevin Warsh, formerly a member of the Federal Reserve Board, has been nominated by President Trump to be the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Trump has long been critical of current Chair Jerome Powell, even opening a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the handling of cost overruns...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mixed Week and a Mixed Outlook

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Kevin Warsh’s Confirmation Hearings and Policy Directions

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biofuel energy

E15: What Does It Mean?

Previous administrations—including that of President Donald Trump—have promoted domestic consumption of corn and soybeans through expanded biofuel mandates and subsidies. The original framework for this policy was the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which required the...

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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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