World Perspectives

Recent North America Analysis

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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

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...

livestock farm-inputs

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds biofuel

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...

feed-grains biofuel farm-inputs

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...

farm-inputs energy

Congress: Lame Duck Session Kicks Off with Volatile Issues

Congress is back in session for the lame-duck period, which is beginning with several contentious issues, including the farm bill, a federal funding deadline, energy legislation, and impeachment proceedings against Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War. Emblematic of the political uncertainty, the...

livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins improved $86/head last week to $174/head as sharply lower fed cattle prices more than offset weakness in wholesale beef values. Live cattle prices fell $8.30/cwt to $215.43/cwt, while the Choice cutout declined $4.63/cwt to $361.15/cwt. Margins have recovered substantially f...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 11 November)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.49/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9275/bushel, up $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.28/bushel, up $0.3975 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $326.5/short ton, up $5.8 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Cuts Corn Yield, Boosts Soybeans; Global Stocks Adequate but Vulnerable

What You Need to Know Today: USDA cut the 2026 corn yield forecast by 1.6 BPA to 179.6, shaving 141 Mbu off the crop. Corn ending stocks were cut by 91 Mbu to a level that pushed the ending stocks-to-use (ESU) ratio to 10.8 percent. Conversely, USDA raised the soybean yield forecast 0.2 BPA to...

soy-oilseeds biofuel

Expanding U.S. Soybean Crush Won’t Eliminate the Need for Exports

Key Takeaways: Expanding U.S. soybean crushing capacity is strengthening domestic demand, driven largely by growing soyoil consumption from the renewable diesel and biofuels industries. Despite increased domestic processing, substantial quantities of U.S. soybeans are expected to remain availa...

feed-grains

AP Quant: WASDE Corn

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

soy-oilseeds

AP Quant: WASDE Soybeans

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

wheat

AP Quant: WASDE Wheat

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

soy-oilseeds biofuel

AP Quant: WASDE Vegoils

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 9 November)

Developer's Note 24 August 2026:  WPI recently completed an exercise that updated the codebase for this app and solved some of the discrepancies between our five-year average calculation and USDA's. There are a few lingering cases where early (late) starts (finishes) to the crop cycle resu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Bears in Control Ahead of WASDE; Cattle Futures Rally as Packer Profits Surge

What You Need to Know Today: Corn and soybean futures were lower to open the week, with funds still in control and in a selling mood. The upcoming WASDE report on Tuesday is also likely to feature larger corn and soybean stocks, which helped put grain futures on the defensive. Wheat futures we...

soy-oilseeds

The Role of Currency Exchange Rates in Agricultural Trade

Key Takeaways: Currency exchange rates influence agricultural export competitiveness and producer profitability, even when underlying commodity prices remain unchanged. A weaker domestic currency allows agricultural exporters to receive more local currency for dollar-denominated sales, potenti...

equities energy

A Closer, More Complex Look at Inflation

Although inflation has remained elevated since the post-COVID surge, it steadily moderated until the past year. More to the point, today’s inflation looks very different from 2022, when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) peaked at 9 percent. During and after the pandemic, the M2 money supply...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.415/bushel, up $0.015 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9125/bushel, down $0.08 from yesterday's close.  Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $11.9375/bushel, up $0.055 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $319.2/short ton, up $2 from y...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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

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...

livestock farm-inputs

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds biofuel

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...

feed-grains biofuel farm-inputs

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...

farm-inputs energy

Congress: Lame Duck Session Kicks Off with Volatile Issues

Congress is back in session for the lame-duck period, which is beginning with several contentious issues, including the farm bill, a federal funding deadline, energy legislation, and impeachment proceedings against Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War. Emblematic of the political uncertainty, the...

livestock

Livestock Industry Margins

Beef packer margins improved $86/head last week to $174/head as sharply lower fed cattle prices more than offset weakness in wholesale beef values. Live cattle prices fell $8.30/cwt to $215.43/cwt, while the Choice cutout declined $4.63/cwt to $361.15/cwt. Margins have recovered substantially f...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 11 November)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.49/bushel, up $0.0975 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9275/bushel, up $0.0475 from yesterday's close.  Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $12.28/bushel, up $0.3975 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $326.5/short ton, up $5.8 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Cuts Corn Yield, Boosts Soybeans; Global Stocks Adequate but Vulnerable

What You Need to Know Today: USDA cut the 2026 corn yield forecast by 1.6 BPA to 179.6, shaving 141 Mbu off the crop. Corn ending stocks were cut by 91 Mbu to a level that pushed the ending stocks-to-use (ESU) ratio to 10.8 percent. Conversely, USDA raised the soybean yield forecast 0.2 BPA to...

soy-oilseeds biofuel

Expanding U.S. Soybean Crush Won’t Eliminate the Need for Exports

Key Takeaways: Expanding U.S. soybean crushing capacity is strengthening domestic demand, driven largely by growing soyoil consumption from the renewable diesel and biofuels industries. Despite increased domestic processing, substantial quantities of U.S. soybeans are expected to remain availa...

feed-grains

AP Quant: WASDE Corn

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

soy-oilseeds

AP Quant: WASDE Soybeans

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

wheat

AP Quant: WASDE Wheat

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

soy-oilseeds biofuel

AP Quant: WASDE Vegoils

WPI offers the following PDF of key supply and demand tables and charts relating to the USDA’s latest WASDE report. This is not an all-inclusive compilation of relevant market factors, only those which we feel are of top priority. WPI will seek to expand the offerings in this report and w...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 9 November)

Developer's Note 24 August 2026:  WPI recently completed an exercise that updated the codebase for this app and solved some of the discrepancies between our five-year average calculation and USDA's. There are a few lingering cases where early (late) starts (finishes) to the crop cycle resu...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Bears in Control Ahead of WASDE; Cattle Futures Rally as Packer Profits Surge

What You Need to Know Today: Corn and soybean futures were lower to open the week, with funds still in control and in a selling mood. The upcoming WASDE report on Tuesday is also likely to feature larger corn and soybean stocks, which helped put grain futures on the defensive. Wheat futures we...

soy-oilseeds

The Role of Currency Exchange Rates in Agricultural Trade

Key Takeaways: Currency exchange rates influence agricultural export competitiveness and producer profitability, even when underlying commodity prices remain unchanged. A weaker domestic currency allows agricultural exporters to receive more local currency for dollar-denominated sales, potenti...

equities energy

A Closer, More Complex Look at Inflation

Although inflation has remained elevated since the post-COVID surge, it steadily moderated until the past year. More to the point, today’s inflation looks very different from 2022, when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) peaked at 9 percent. During and after the pandemic, the M2 money supply...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 26 Corn closed at $4.415/bushel, up $0.015 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Wheat closed at $5.9125/bushel, down $0.08 from yesterday's close.  Jan 27 Soybeans closed at $11.9375/bushel, up $0.055 from yesterday's close.  Dec 26 Soymeal closed at $319.2/short ton, up $2 from y...

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