Some members of the U.S. Congress want more support going to fruits and vegetables. They note that the overwhelming majority of farm bill income support and risk management subsidies go to grains and oilseeds. California dominates U.S. production of fruits and vegetables, accounting for 70 percent of the total, with other Western states like Washington, Oregon and Arizona also specializing in these crops. More could be grown in the Midwest. U.S. production of vegetables is declining (see below). Production of non-citrus fruits increased in 2021 but fell again in 2022. Meanwhile, imports of fruits and vegetables are increasing, mostly from Mexico and the north and western parts of South America. Imports from Mexico are up 12.5 percent over...
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
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.