The CBOT settled mostly lower heading into the long, three-day weekend with traders citing profit taking and uncertain macro markets as reasons for the lower trade. CBOT corn, soybeans, and wheat have all posted six- or seven-year highs this week and the overbought nature of these markets made them ripe for profit taking. Wheat was the only major ag commodity to finish higher on Friday, aided by fresh export tariffs from Russia. Russia has announced new export duties on wheat, corn, and barley. Russia will increase its export tariff to €50/MT starting 1 March for exports within its 17.5 MMT TRQ. The current export duty was set at €25/MT starting 15 February and will remain effective until the new, higher duty is applicable...
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.