Recent analysis of maize cereals and flour in Tanzania have shown very high levels of aflatoxin, but the government claims a different cause of the reported death and illness there. Meanwhile, DuPont’s Pioneer seed division has announced it is expanding one of its programs to that country. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS During the current year, close to 80 percent of Ukraine’s soybean exports have been purchased by Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Lebanon. With that country expected to export about 2.3 MMT in 2016/17, just over 1.9 MMT of the total will go to the Middle East and Africa if the past export pattern continues. In addition, 100,000 MT of Ukraine’s projected 300,000 MT of soymeal exports for the same year are likel...
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.