That is the question for this month’s WASDE. USDA accepted China’s massive adjustment in corn stocks plus a relatively small upward one in its wheat stocks. Both USDA and China also increased the latter’s corn carry-in by 143 MMT from the October estimate. In addition, USDA boosted China’s 2018 corn production estimate by about 30 MMT, which means it found almost an entire “new” corn crop there in one 30-day period. These numbers have of course prompted many questions and much skepticism over how good any of China’s numbers are. More importantly, numerous traders and analysts are wondering why that country is even included in the world wheat and corn supply/demand estimates if it is so unreliable. T...
What You Need to Know Today: As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75–4.00 percent, its first rate increase since 2023, as policymakers respond to persistent inflation pressures. The Fed also signaled that additi...
Key Takeaways: USDA data access is equal; the ability to use it is not. Larger operations can afford experts who turn public reports into business decisions. Analytical capacity is the true advantage. Forecasts matter only when converted into profit, purchasing, and risk-management decisions...
Russian Grain Markets: 7–11 September 2026 During the first week of September, the Russian grain market remained volatile but predominantly bearish. Among the few commodities that continued to show a bullish trend was rye, which is in short supply this year and has few offers available. I...
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.