The CBOT was almost entirely lower across the major ag markets on Wednesday with large supply expectations for the 2025 Northern Hemisphere grain and oilseed crops driving the weakness. More crop tours in the U.S. confirm large corn yields and high soybean pod counts/yield potential, while the race to export wheat from the U.S., Europe, and the Black Sea intensifies. In the background, macroeconomic uncertainty – particularly the outcome of President Trumps tariffs – and weaker oil values helped create a broader risk-off sentiment across market sectors. Outside Markets U.S. equities were mixed on Wednesday with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ turning higher after initially weaker trade while the Dow Jones index finished s...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.