In the context of conventional grain supply and demand, anomalies stand out and that unique breakout currently belongs to sorghum. Also known as milo (grain form) or broomcorn and several other names, it heralds originally from Sudan and not Mexico as in key competitor maize. As a crop grown in the U.S., it has been rising in obtaining policy respect. It is now approved for use in ethanol, and based on actual bid prices, it is now insured under crop insurance at 99.6 percent the price of corn. But it has also gained significance in the marketplace. USDA’s estimate of the area planted to sorghum this season was raised over 13 percent in the July WASDE to 6.8 million acres. Its average yield was raised to 69.1 bushels/acre, the highest...
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.