The cost of beef around the world is highly variable. While the average for 97 countries is $11.40/pound for a kilo of top round or back leg equivalent, it will cost $55.58 in Switzerland and just $3.68 in Pakistan. That makes Switzerland 15 times more expensive to get a steak. Of course, it isn’t just beef that is expensive in Switzerland, but cheese is only four times more valuable in the Alps than the Karakoram. Large beef importers like Japan and South Korea have high prices, but the U.S. has a relatively average price and is both the largest beef importer and fourth largest beef exporter. Notably, exports and imports are of different qualities. Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter and is priced at half the cos...
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
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.