Brokers on the floor used to execute trades in person, but for one trading firm, the USDA’s WASDE report from July brought back those memories. Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
What is WASDE?
WASDE stands for World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. It’s a monthly report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and it’s one of the most influential reports in global agriculture. It’s released around the 10th or 12th of each month.
What It Does
The WASDE report provides comprehensive forecasts and analysis of supply and demand for:
- Major U.S. and global crops (like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, etc.)
- Livestock and dairy
- Trade and ending stocks (what’s left over after usage and exports)
Why It Matters
- Traders, farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers utilize it to inform their decisions.
- It impacts commodity prices immediately after release, especially if there are surprises.
- It also sets expectations for production, consumption, and export trends.
Related Stories
Corn and soybean shipments continue to move at a steady pace as spring trade flows develop.
Growing milk supply may pressure prices ahead.
Bigger flocks are rebuilding egg and poultry supply.
Tight supplies are driving stronger early-year cattle prices.
The Mengel Dairy Farms case is a sobering reminder that “having insurance” is not the same as “having protection.”
Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
