Widely Varying Forecasts for Brazilian Soybean Crop With China resuming its purchases of U.S. soybeans for at least a while, the soybean market’s focus is increasingly on the size of the crop in South America, particularly Brazil’s. Last week INTL FCStone cut its forecast for the Brazilian crop by 4 MMT to 112.2 MMT after making a similar reduction last month. This is one of the lower private sector forecasts, but others are expected to decrease this week as more yield results are reported. Reports indicate the soybean group Aprosoja last week estimated that same crop at only 101 MMT, the lowest forecast by far and 24 MMT below many of a few months ago. Such an output would typically set off a rally in the soybean market, alth...
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.