There has been some underlying positive economic news starting to emerge from the August data, though given the unprecedented nature of the economic disruption since February 2020, it is a bit of a mixed bag. The private Institute for Supply Management (ISM) survey for manufacturing activity for August showed the 27th consecutive month of growth – which, by the way dates to June 2020 after the major impact of COVID. The August index was 52.8 percent, the same reading as recorded in July. While the index was up, it was only slightly higher than June 2020 at 52.4 percent and the second lowest since June 2020. But it is up. The jobs payrolls rose 315,000 in August, which narrowly beat consensus expectations. However, downwa...
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...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
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.