There are two analytical common threads dominating discussions of the world’s 2018/19 crop cycle thus far. One is the rather spectacular tightening of the world wheat supply/demand outlook, and the other is President Trump’s attacks on the current structure of world trade. Some might argue that his frequently shifting views and positions on bilateral trade and multilateral trade agreements as well as his scattergun use of higher tariffs on a wide variety of U.S. imports, especially those from China, defy analysis. Perhaps so, but no one can deny that the U.S. has shaken up established world trade protocols in the last 18 months and has made relations with a significant number of its erstwhile trading partners very testy. Politi...
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.