There is federal budget pressure on the 2018 Farm Bill. Unlike with most past farm bills, though, it could be real this time.Since 1977 when the then-named Food Stamp program was added to the farm bill, the U.S. federal budget has been in a deficit every farm bill year. In fact, the only two times since 1960 that it hasn’t been were 1999 and again in 2000, immediately prior to the 2002 Farm Bill. Moreover, that particular farm bill was a free-wheeling, high-spending affair. Then-President George W. Bush was trying to fund the “War on Terror” immediately after the 11 September attacks on the U.S. He was willing to give Congress just about anything it asked for at that time in order to get votes and support for military and homeland security...
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
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.