After a brief midnight shutdown, Congress approved yet another modified stopgap budget package in the early hours of this morning. This is the fifth continuing resolution (CR) for FY 2018. It was passed in the Senate at 2 a.m. (EST) by a vote of 71-28 and in the House at about 5:30 a.m. (EST) by a vote of 240-186; the president signed the bill at 8:40 a.m. (EST). This is a $400 billion deal that will keep the government open until 23 March, but it also accommodates the two-year $1.3 trillion plan that was outlined in yesterday’s Livestock report (see Ag Perspectives, 8 February). The latest CR lifts the caps on defense spending, allowing $300 billion more over the next two years, and provides funding for disaster relief. It also exten...
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.