Creating change through the use of labeling and taxes is not so simple.The International Association for the Study of Obesity suggests that the solution to obesity is regulating unhealthy foods in the same manner that alcohol and tobacco consumption has been addressed. In other words, create change through the use of labeling and taxes. However, it is not so simple. First, the alcoholic beverage warning label began in 1989 and per capita consumption increased during 1993–2009. Meanwhile, California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (a.k.a. Prop 65) requires businesses to post warning labels about the presence of cancer-causing chemicals. While that information theoretically benefits people, the largest documented beneficiaries...
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.