World Perspectives

Policy Quick Hits

Pork Plant Line Speeds USDA extended the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) faster line speed trial period for 90 days; the program was scheduled to expire on 30 November. There are six packing plants operating under the NSIS, located withing about 100 miles of approximately 40 percent of U.S. hog production. The expiration would have reduced hog processing operational capacity and weighed on already bearish hog prices. The National Pork Producers Council estimates that the lower processing throughput with a loss of the faster line speeds would push hog prices down about $10 per head in the near term. The extension will allow a study of the effects of the faster line speed impact on worker safety; data was collected during the trial, but...

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livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins improved for a second consecutive week but remained firmly negative. Margins rose $70/head to –$179 as the Choice cutout advanced $4.56/cwt and fed cattle prices were largely stable. The recovery narrowed the gap between breakeven and cash cattle values to roughly $19/...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Divergent Day Highlights Divergent Outlook

The CBOT started Wednesday’s overnight trade on a high note with traders returning from the prior day’s risk-off selling and finding support from export-led grain demand. Shortly after the day session began, however, hopes of higher trade for grains quickly evaporated as funds and s...

GI Chimera; Catch Bees with Honey; AI My Eye

GI Chimera The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has hit another stumbling block after the European Parliament asked the EU’s high court to first assess the text for its legality. Once that exercise is complete, Europe’s politicians promise plenty more hurdles to stymie agricultural impor...

livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins improved for a second consecutive week but remained firmly negative. Margins rose $70/head to –$179 as the Choice cutout advanced $4.56/cwt and fed cattle prices were largely stable. The recovery narrowed the gap between breakeven and cash cattle values to roughly $19/...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Divergent Day Highlights Divergent Outlook

The CBOT started Wednesday’s overnight trade on a high note with traders returning from the prior day’s risk-off selling and finding support from export-led grain demand. Shortly after the day session began, however, hopes of higher trade for grains quickly evaporated as funds and s...

GI Chimera; Catch Bees with Honey; AI My Eye

GI Chimera The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has hit another stumbling block after the European Parliament asked the EU’s high court to first assess the text for its legality. Once that exercise is complete, Europe’s politicians promise plenty more hurdles to stymie agricultural impor...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.2175/bushel, down $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.0775/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.645/bushel, up $0.115 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $291.4/short ton, down $0.2...

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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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