Congress will return to session after the August recess in the coming weeks, the Senate next week and the House the following week. They will be in session for a short time before adjourning in October for the November elections. The conventional wisdom in Washington is that the Republicans are likely to take a majority in the House, which, if that happens, means new committee chairmen. For the House Agriculture Committee, that’s Representative Glenn Thompson (R-Pennsylvania). Thompson was at the farm progress show in Iowa this week and was questioned about the upcoming farm bill. He was clear that he opposes an extension of the 2018 farm bill, but that means the process must move swiftly next year. If he becomes chairman, he intends...
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.