The fact that the August WASDE pictured crop prospects in the U.S. and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere as being generally better than private analysts did creates any number of questions.Echoes of last Thursday’s August WASDE can still be heard in the commentary of nearly every market watcher. It will surely go down as one of the most surprising in the report’s long history. Simply put, it was hugely bearish when analysts and traders were anticipating an at least mildly bullish tone. As Mike Krueger noted (see Ag Perspectives, 11 August), it was a humbling experience. It demonstrated that many of us are not as smart as we may believe.The fact that the August WASDE pictured crop prospects in the U.S. and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisp...
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.