U.S. corn exports to North Africa/Africa in the first quarter of 2016 are down 75 percent versus 2015, mainly due to reduced business with Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. However, those to the Middle East are up strongly from last year because of a 50 percent increase in shipments to Saudi Arabia. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS It is interesting to note that U.S. corn has entered the period when it is very price competitive to North African destinations. Both Israel and Algeria have been active with that origin in the past few days, which is the first time for either country in 2016. U.S. corn exports to North Africa/Africa in the first quarter of 2016 are down 75 percent versus 2015, mainly due to reduced business with...
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.