Creating Farm Labor Shortage Bipartisanship in the U.S. Congress has not increased much since the departure of the divisive Mr. Trump, but agriculture continues to be one area of mutual trust. Next up is a narrow bill in the House next week that would provide a pathway for otherwise illegal farm laborers to achieve citizenship. It will also make adjustment to the H-2A farm worker temporary visa program, and toughen requirements for employers using the E-Verify program that verifies the authorization to work in the U.S. With over half the labor being illegal in some parts of U.S. agriculture, making the H-2A program work more easily is a desired outcome. However, creating a pathway to citizenship could cause a longer-term shortage of farm l...
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.