While the October 2016 WASDE contained no fundamental surprises, it did not lack for items of interest.As noted yesterday, the October 2016 WASDE contained no fundamental surprises. This is mainly because private crop scouts and analysts did a very good job of assessing yield and production prospects, and the consensus of their conclusions prior to the report proved to be very close to those of USDA/NASS analysts. Thus, the report was unusually dull in a market sense - if USDA corn and soybean yield and production estimates in the midst of harvest can be said to be dull. Put another way, there was nothing in the October WASDE that is likely to jar corn, soy and wheat futures markets out of their months-long trading ranges in the short term...
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.