World Perspectives

Utopian Agriculture Irony; Trouble in Major Markets

Utopian Agriculture Irony Debating the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be a major objective for the new politicians in Brussels and the twists and turns ahead are fascinating.  First, there is the issue of crop protection. Chemophobia is in full swing with the demand to eliminate the use of chemicals in food production. Rational forces recognize this is a bridge too far and will cause productivity to fall too much for food security purposes. They argue that new breeding techniques that build protections into the plant itself is the future. This is especially true given the threats from climate change.  However, this means getting environmentalists to agree to remove the shackle of the Novel Foods Directive s...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2775/bushel, up $0.0675 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.4625/bushel, up $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.3575/bushel, up $0.0925 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $288.8/short ton, up $5.3 f...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mostly a Green Finish of a Bullish Week

The market was green across the board in grain and oilseed in the overnight and mostly finished that way in the day session except for soyoil, where profit taking prevailed. It seemed like a hot week for soyoil but after today’s session, it turned out to be corn that had the better week.&...

Strong Retail Sales Report and Inflation Outlook

The June retail sales report beat consensus expectations, rising 0.6 percent. Moreover, it was a strong report, with 10 out of 13 of the sales categories increasing. The largest increase was in the auto sector, a traditionally volatile category. June sales were up 1.2 percent, which came after...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2775/bushel, up $0.0675 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.4625/bushel, up $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.3575/bushel, up $0.0925 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $288.8/short ton, up $5.3 f...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mostly a Green Finish of a Bullish Week

The market was green across the board in grain and oilseed in the overnight and mostly finished that way in the day session except for soyoil, where profit taking prevailed. It seemed like a hot week for soyoil but after today’s session, it turned out to be corn that had the better week.&...

Strong Retail Sales Report and Inflation Outlook

The June retail sales report beat consensus expectations, rising 0.6 percent. Moreover, it was a strong report, with 10 out of 13 of the sales categories increasing. The largest increase was in the auto sector, a traditionally volatile category. June sales were up 1.2 percent, which came after...

livestock

LH 2025 and 2026 Cattle Outlook Challenging for Packers, Favorable for Producers

The biggest question in the cattle and beef markets lately has been “when does the rally stop?” after beef values and fed and feeder cattle prices have all rallied to new all-time highs (beef prices if one ignores the brief rally during the COVID-19 plant closures). The fundamental...

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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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