Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.455/bushel, up $0.03 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9325/bushel, up $0.09 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.315/bushel, up $0.125 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $329.8/short ton, up $4.4 from yes...
CPI: Inflation Heated Up in October
Tuesday’s CPI report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed inflation roaring back stronger than expected in October. That probably locks in another rate hike – which was expected anyway – at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in December. Consumer pric...
Farm Support Payments: What Are Taxpayers Really Buying?
Key Takeaways: The rationale for farm programs has changed significantly from their original intentions. Farmers’ incomes have grown sharply and have surpassed non-farm incomes beginning in the 1970s. Current farm programs are complex and focus on supporting risk management, environmenta...
Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.425/bushel, down $0.055 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.8425/bushel, down $0.1525 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.19/bushel, down $0.1175 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $325.4/short ton, down $4...
Market Commentary: Corn and Soybean Rallies Fade as Markets Reassess USDA's November Outlook
What You Need to Know Today: The U.S. dollar continued to strengthen Thursday as persistent inflation reinforced expectations for additional Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Higher Treasury yields have helped support the dollar, potentially reducing the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural...
Livestock Roundup: WASDE Forecasts Meat Production Down for 2026
In yesterday’s WASDE, USDA reduced its overall red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 as declines in beef and broiler output more than offset increases in pork and turkey production. Fourth-quarter beef production was revised downward because of slower fed cattle marketings and...
Transportation Perspectives - 12 November
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk freight markets were stronger this week, but the rally was uneven and due to divergent dynamics across basins and vessel classes. Panamax markets were broadly higher, but Atlantic grain demand was primarily responsible while Asian activity was subdued. That trend...
U.S. Wool Update
Key Takeaways: World prices are strong; U.S. grower data doesn’t show it. Australia's benchmark finished the 2025/26 season 61 percent higher, while the value of the 2025 U.S. clip fell 7 percent. The U.S. clip is coarser than the wool behind the headlines. Only about 7 percent was finer...
Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.48/bushel, down $0.01 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.995/bushel, up $0.0675 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.3075/bushel, up $0.0275 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $329.7/short ton, up $3.2 from...
Market Commentary: Will Follow-Through Match the Headlines?
Veterans Day offers a moment to pause and recognize the people behind the uniform. To all who have served and the families who have supported them, thank you for your dedication, courage and sacrifice. Markets had plenty of headlines to digest today, and grains offered some encouraging follow-t...
Ethanol and Biodiesel Margin Outlook Amid Falling Energy Markets
Key Takeaways: The recent pullback in crude oil and other energy markets has left many in the ag and biofuels communities wondering what it means for ethanol and biodiesel prices and profit margins. WPI’s research indicates a weak but still significant link between ethanol and crud...
Alabama and Louisiana Request RFS Waivers but Approval Remains Unlikely
Key Takeaways: Alabama and Louisiana have requested partial waivers of 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements, arguing that rising compliance costs are contributing to higher fuel prices and economic hardship. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is encouraging neighboring states to join th...
Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.455/bushel, up $0.03 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9325/bushel, up $0.09 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.315/bushel, up $0.125 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $329.8/short ton, up $4.4 from yes...
CPI: Inflation Heated Up in October
Tuesday’s CPI report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed inflation roaring back stronger than expected in October. That probably locks in another rate hike – which was expected anyway – at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in December. Consumer pric...
Farm Support Payments: What Are Taxpayers Really Buying?
Key Takeaways: The rationale for farm programs has changed significantly from their original intentions. Farmers’ incomes have grown sharply and have surpassed non-farm incomes beginning in the 1970s. Current farm programs are complex and focus on supporting risk management, environmenta...
Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.425/bushel, down $0.055 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.8425/bushel, down $0.1525 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.19/bushel, down $0.1175 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $325.4/short ton, down $4...
Market Commentary: Corn and Soybean Rallies Fade as Markets Reassess USDA's November Outlook
What You Need to Know Today: The U.S. dollar continued to strengthen Thursday as persistent inflation reinforced expectations for additional Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Higher Treasury yields have helped support the dollar, potentially reducing the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural...
Livestock Roundup: WASDE Forecasts Meat Production Down for 2026
In yesterday’s WASDE, USDA reduced its overall red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 as declines in beef and broiler output more than offset increases in pork and turkey production. Fourth-quarter beef production was revised downward because of slower fed cattle marketings and...
Transportation Perspectives - 12 November
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk freight markets were stronger this week, but the rally was uneven and due to divergent dynamics across basins and vessel classes. Panamax markets were broadly higher, but Atlantic grain demand was primarily responsible while Asian activity was subdued. That trend...
U.S. Wool Update
Key Takeaways: World prices are strong; U.S. grower data doesn’t show it. Australia's benchmark finished the 2025/26 season 61 percent higher, while the value of the 2025 U.S. clip fell 7 percent. The U.S. clip is coarser than the wool behind the headlines. Only about 7 percent was finer...
Summary of Futures
Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.48/bushel, down $0.01 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.995/bushel, up $0.0675 from yesterday's close. Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.3075/bushel, up $0.0275 from yesterday's close. Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $329.7/short ton, up $3.2 from...
Market Commentary: Will Follow-Through Match the Headlines?
Veterans Day offers a moment to pause and recognize the people behind the uniform. To all who have served and the families who have supported them, thank you for your dedication, courage and sacrifice. Markets had plenty of headlines to digest today, and grains offered some encouraging follow-t...
Ethanol and Biodiesel Margin Outlook Amid Falling Energy Markets
Key Takeaways: The recent pullback in crude oil and other energy markets has left many in the ag and biofuels communities wondering what it means for ethanol and biodiesel prices and profit margins. WPI’s research indicates a weak but still significant link between ethanol and crud...
Alabama and Louisiana Request RFS Waivers but Approval Remains Unlikely
Key Takeaways: Alabama and Louisiana have requested partial waivers of 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements, arguing that rising compliance costs are contributing to higher fuel prices and economic hardship. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is encouraging neighboring states to join th...