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
Roger McEowen breaks down the EPA’s updated dicamba regulations and shares what farmers need to do to remain compliant under the new rules this growing season.
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
Louisiana farmers say high water levels routinely threaten crops, highlighting the need for critical infrastructure and sustainability efforts in the Bayou.
Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
Tariff refunds are underway, potentially returning billions to importers, as agriculture groups push for a larger role in trade policy and investigations.
Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
