The year 2019 has been difficult for cow-calf producers with heavy winter snowstorms that reduced calf survival rates, massive spring flooding, and the summer weakness in cattle prices. Now, producers are racing to get calves to market before another early snowstorm hits and reduces their chances of getting animals to market. The market for yearling feeder cattle is extremely hot right now with feedlots bidding a premium for animals that will survive a potentially harsh winter better than their younger counterparts. WPI sources indicate that most cattlemen are simply trying to get calves weaned and shipped to the sale barn. With two years of reduced profitability and a smaller calf crop this year, producers need all the revenue they...
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.