Brazil’s meat processors are expressing angst that their country’s boosted corn exports to China this year will drive up domestic feed costs to what they describe as an “overpriced” level. The number of Chinese bidders for imported corn is large as the Middle Kingdom’s sow herd rebounded 0.6 percent in December and pork production is almost back to the level it was before African Swine Fever damaged the herd. However, it is a more complicated story for Brazil. Looking at the past decade’s change in grain and meat production in Brazil on two different axes (see below) lends the impression that livestock production has grown alongside feed supplies. However, on a CARG basis, soybean production has gr...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
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.