The economic impact on agriculture from the global coronavirus pandemic is still unknown but it cannot be good. Some speculate that recovery from a policy imposed economic coma should be quicker than, for example, the 2008/09 Great Recession involving financial sector structural failure. Others caution that it depends on how long policymakers suppress activity, whether there is a rebound due to premature reopening, or the disease becomes seasonal. Recently, some economists described a “swish” shaped economic recovery instead of a “V” shaped one. The Great Recession may be an imperfect proxy, but it is the most recent example of a large adverse economic event. One thing that is clear is that the annual growth i...
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.
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...