The grain trade returned to work last night with the strong possibility that the much-anticipated trade deal with China might not happen. This was based on President Trump’s weekend tweet that he will increase tariffs on Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent. This sent grain and oilseed markets as well as equity markets crashing lower. No one knows for certain what happened during the negotiations late last week to sour the brew. It was widely speculated today that China had backtracked on some previous concessions, including those that would require changes in its laws. President Trump, likely on the advice of his trade team, decided to fire a warning shot across the bow. The selling panic that seemed close last night and e...
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.