13 African nations met in Tanzania to discuss ways of controlling aflatoxin, mainly with maize and groundnuts (peanuts). Much time was focused on the success of Aflasafe, which is said to reduce aflatoxin levels by a significant amount if applied correctly to croplands. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS The Turkish government announced that it has reopened the Bosphorus Strait, which is located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, now that the attempted coup in Turkey has ended. This is the only sea route for grain cargoes out of the Black Sea. According to Turkish authorities, the closing was only for a few hours. However, it was still long enough to build a lineup of vessels waiting to transit the 17-mile stra...
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.