World Perspectives

Pandemic Not Fully Reflected

The Pew Research Center has attracted a lot of ink for its analysis of losses to middle income earners from the pandemic. Its data, derived from World Bank and IMF numbers, show the greatest loss of the middle class in South Asia, followed by East Asia. The advanced economies saw growth in the middle class even as it saw losses in higher income earners. Growth in the middle class was seen as the source for increased export sales of U.S. agricultural export products. However, Pew’s data on losses in that cohort are not fully reflected in U.S. export data. U.S. agricultural exports to South Asia, the biggest middle-income loser, are down slightly year to date since October but gained 1.1 percent in 2020 despite the pandemic. This could...

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May 26 Corn closed at $4.4875/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6725/bushel, up $0.035 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $331.8/short ton, down $0...

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Market Commentary: Rebound for Corn, Beans on Iran News; Wheat Declines

New variables specifically in the agricultural markets were light today, but the Iran war news hit some markets like a tsunami. The war and Iran’s chokehold on global oil supplies have subjugated economies for nearly seven weeks with outsized petrol prices. Everything became distorted aro...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report: Neutral

USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more of capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 99 percent of last year. The steer and steer calf inventory was down slightly from a year ago at 7.256 million head,...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.4875/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6725/bushel, up $0.035 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $331.8/short ton, down $0...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Rebound for Corn, Beans on Iran News; Wheat Declines

New variables specifically in the agricultural markets were light today, but the Iran war news hit some markets like a tsunami. The war and Iran’s chokehold on global oil supplies have subjugated economies for nearly seven weeks with outsized petrol prices. Everything became distorted aro...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report: Neutral

USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more of capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 99 percent of last year. The steer and steer calf inventory was down slightly from a year ago at 7.256 million head,...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: More Wheat Weather Premium, but Weakness Elsewhere

There was generally modest volume today, with the exception of wheat, which was also uniquely higher on the day. New highs for the calendar year were printed in HRW as the fledgling crop is about to have the double-whammy of freezing temperatures added to drought as the welcoming committee for...

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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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