The strains, which are multiple, mutate readily and are named after the two protein groups in the virus. The rate of outbreak has increased over the past week and includes a case in a North Dakota turkey flock reported today,Yesterday we wrote in the Livestock Roundup about the market implications of the recent outbreaks of the H5N2 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Today is a closer look at the situation by the numbers. There have been 72 cases reported between 19 December 2014 and 22 April 2015 as well as two cases of H5N8 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in California (one in January and one in February). These have occurred in 13 states and 42 counties located in three migratory bird flyways with 56 in the Mississip...
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.