Better than expected retail sales results for December sent stock markets higher today following earlier January losses. China reportedly turned down more containers of DDGS today. General Comments As always at this point on the calendar, South American weather and its impact on soybean and corn production prospects has become a major factor for markets to consider. South American crop production, primarily in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, covers a huge land mass just as it does in the U.S. Weather conditions are never entirely good or entirely bad for the continent's crop-producing regions. Despite this, there is a tendency to reduce weather analyses to a few broad generalities.This year's general weather theme for South Amer...
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.