Democrats on Trump Trade The first Democratic presidential primary debate occurs this Wednesday, and candidates will be pressed for details on their various policy positions. For example, nearly half of them say they support challenging China but would approach it differently than President Trump. The field is somewhat split on the tactical use of tariffs (7 for, 6 oppose), and many say they would work more collaboratively with trading partners. The question is, why would their specific approach have more success? Mr. Trump’s “mano a mano” approach with the use of tariffs to create leverage and bluster to induce uncertainty deserves scrutiny. However, no other trading partner has expressed an interest in his kinetic appr...
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.