CBOT markets opened on the defensive with traders cautious ahead of the May WASDE. The market was expecting a bearish report and that pressured the soybean market early, despite USDA’s daily export sales wire that reported 136,000 MT of soybeans sold to China for delivery during 2019/20. The May WASDE was friendlier than expected by most analysts with USDA making modest adjustments to U.S. and world balance sheets. World corn, wheat, and soybean production are all expected to increase in 2020/21 and the theme of large supplies will be dominant during the coming marketing year. For now, however, USDA’s cautious adjustments to demand-side factors meant that 2019/20 and 2020/21 U.S. ending stocks are initially forecast below...
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...
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.