Power Cords and Mustard Concerned about electronic waste and abuse of consumers, the EU has been pushing for the industry to establish a single power charging cord to be used by mobile devices from all manufacturers. At least one manufacturer, Apple, is pushing back by saying it will harm innovation. The issue reminds one of a visit many years ago to the U.S. by the agriculture minister from the Soviet Union. The minister was shown a modern western grocery store with its 50,000 different products. As he walked down the aisle, he stopped in front of the mustard display and asked, “Why so many different mustards?” He then asserted that, “In the Soviet Union, there is just one mustard – the best mustard.” Virus...
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.