The EU is once again delaying the approval of feed ingredient imports derived from biotech crops despite their science-based proof of safety. Dubious Organic Animal Standard Following the recommendation of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will solicit public comment on establishing animal welfare standards, specifically for meat and poultry labeled as organic. The new standards would have to ensure animal health and welfare as well as sufficient indoor and outdoor space for the animals to have natural movements. Organic food marketers have been criticized because their products do not guarantee better animal welfare or greater sustainability in the case of plant-based products.Howeve...
What You Need to Know Today: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...
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.