Farm Bill Trouble The conservative Freedom Caucus flexed its muscle in holding up the election of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) in becoming Speaker of the U.S. House. Based on the Caucus’s past positions on Farm Bill programs, they are likely to prevent passage of new legislation this year. During consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Caucus sought to phaseout all farm programs including subsidies to the crop insurance program. They were a driving force behind the proposed deep cuts in SNAP domestic food assistance programs. Ultimately, the bill failed in the House as Democrats opposed the SNAP reductions and the Freedom Caucus voted no because the cuts were not deep enough. Aggie Gets Ways & Means The election of...
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.