Minimal Consolidation Seeing the Biden Administration’s rhetorical claim to be prosecuting consolidation in agribusiness, some farmer advocates are claiming a similar effort is needed to stem the loss of farmers. Like the charge of antitrust in agribusiness, the teeth gnashing over the number of farmers rings hollow. Over seventy percent of all farm losses occurred before 1974, driven out by automation. During the past eight years, the number of U.S. farms has declined at less than one-half percent per year. During that period, the average farm size grew just 2.3 percent (0.29 percent per year) and has not changed at all in the past couple of years. Missing from the discussion is the growth in the number of smaller farms, especially...
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.