The expectations for tomorrow’s USDA WASDE report are set, and they are bullish. There will be fewer U.S. corn harvested acres, lower yields and thus reduced ending stocks. There will be less Argentine and Brazilian corn, and lower world stock. The same with U.S. soybeans, and the world will have less wheat. With that in mind, the market reaction this day before the report was to reduce prices except in soyoil and wheat. It was buy grains and sell soy at the open, but it reversed back into the pattern that has now held for the past several weeks. Today’s adjustments were in part an acknowledgement that the report’s expectations are already baked into the cake. It also reflects some more granular details: • U.S...
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.
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...