There are only 18 days scheduled on the legislative calendar before Congress recesses for Christmas. There is a lot to do, which Congress will have to balance with its impeachment inquiry – a contentious issue which is not fostering much bi-partisan nor bi-cameral cooperation. The recent successful strike on ISIS thickens the plot. The political tension in Congress is only likely to get worse next year as it starts an election cycle, so the stakes are relatively high to move some key issues yet this year. Below is an update on three top ag-related issues: Appropriations: The current continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government expires on 21 November, which is 12 legislative days from now. At this point, 10 of the 12 regular app...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.