While the repeal of COOL is expected to pass the House handily, the Senate scenario is not so bullish for the statute's opponents as there is still a strong faction of support there, and those senators are instead seeking reforms.As we reported last week, the House Agriculture Committee passed a bill to repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) by a vote of 38-6. The bill, which has 68 co-sponsors, was sparked by the WTO's 18 May decision against the U.S. statute, its fourth such ruling. Specifically, the WTO found the provisions on muscle cuts to be in violation of its rules, but the repeal would also apply to ground meat and all labeling requirements for beef, pork and chicken. However, it would not pertain to COOL requirements t...
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.