Oil versus Grain In the conflict with Russia, the G7+ has employed a cap on the price of petroleum. The goal is to reduce Russia’s export earnings and thus undermine its war effort. By contrast, the goal has been to help Ukraine, both with munitions and the EU waiving duties on that nation’s agricultural exports. While most of Ukraine’s exports have moved through the Black Sea grain corridor agreement, that is not an assured route and increasing volumes have moved westward through Poland, and or even south to Romania. But that has depressed prices for those nation’s farmers and there is discussion of reintroducing tariffs on Ukraine’s exports. An alternative is to better assist Ukraine’s grain exports, 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.