There are actually two issues here. The first is the alternative biomass tracking process, which will run its course, and the second is Argentina's Differential Export Tax (DET) for biodiesel, a concern for the USTR.The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) issued a press release yesterday during a trip to that state by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman. The statement was regarding Argentina's petition to the EPA to be approved for an alternative biomass tracking requirement that would streamline the recordkeeping process for its biodiesel exports to the U.S. Canada previously had a similar petition approved for biofuels. According to the IBB, "...if the EPA approves Argentina's application, we could be looking at 600 million gallons or...
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.