Representative Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) is becoming an outspoken leader in proposing new agricultural policy ideas, but his biggest reforms come in the area of trade.Representative Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) is becoming an outspoken leader in proposing new agricultural policy ideas. In September, he authored an op-ed that called for an end to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) based on its successes such as invigorating the production of corn-based ethanol and also its failures like the lack of progress in cellulosic ethanol production. Cramer argued that ethanol production has now matured and ethanol can survive on its octane value in the fuel market. His proposal was to have the RFS expire after 2022 when the statutory volumes end...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.