Algeria’s purchases of French wheat are reported to be up 62 percent over last year. However, there are fears that the drop in its quality because of the heavy rains prior to harvest could mean that those particular sales will decline. Experts maintain, though, that there should not be a problem. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS Ramadan ends this week (on 7 July in many countries) and is followed by the Eid al Fitr celebrations. Depending on the country, the Eid holidays can last two to five days with government offices, banks and most businesses (except retail) closed during this period.The wheat situation in Egypt is no clearer today than it was last week. There are many stories in the press about poor control of whe...
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.