World Perspectives
farm-inputs

Notable Updates

Updating Japan Rice The Nikkei reported today that Japanese Prime Minster Shinzō Abe's government plans to change the country's rice price support mechanism in order to adapt to the dynamics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Under the plan, rice farmers will no longer be compensated for limiting rice production under the so-called "gentan" policy, nor will they receive payments to offset low prices in the marketplace. Instead, farmers would pay into an insurance fund that would make payments during periods of lower prices.If Japan achieves this policy change, it will leave the U.S. as the only major rich country with a more market-distorting farm support policy. Europe has been moving toward decoupled payments and non-c...

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livestock

Cattle on Feed - June 2025

U.S. Cattle on Feed totaled 11.4 million head on June 1, 2025. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2024.  Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.89 million head, 8 percent below 2024.  Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.76 million head, 10 percent below 2024.  Ot...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: A Day and a Week of Surprises

There isn’t always a common theme across markets. Sometimes a session starts amid diverse influences. Sometimes, shorts or longs will dominate an open, then be tested by participants with different ideas. Each jockeying to have their way. Today’s trading opened bearishly for major g...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Cattle on Feed

  USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today.  Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.4 million head, 99 percent of last year.      Total placements were down 8 percent and below the average pre-report estimate.  Those lighter placements were partia...

livestock

Cattle on Feed - June 2025

U.S. Cattle on Feed totaled 11.4 million head on June 1, 2025. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2024.  Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.89 million head, 8 percent below 2024.  Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.76 million head, 10 percent below 2024.  Ot...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: A Day and a Week of Surprises

There isn’t always a common theme across markets. Sometimes a session starts amid diverse influences. Sometimes, shorts or longs will dominate an open, then be tested by participants with different ideas. Each jockeying to have their way. Today’s trading opened bearishly for major g...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Cattle on Feed

  USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today.  Total cattle on feed amounted to 11.4 million head, 99 percent of last year.      Total placements were down 8 percent and below the average pre-report estimate.  Those lighter placements were partia...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.2875/bushel, down $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.6775/bushel, down $0.065 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.68/bushel, down $0.0675 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $284.1/short ton, down $...

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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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