While the European Parliament followed the advice of activist Olivier De Schutter in rejecting the use of intensive, conventional agriculture in Africa, G-20 agriculture ministers meeting early this month cited both open trade and the deployment of science and technology as the best route to sustainability and food security. Risky TTIP Conclusion U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman has reportedly told his staff to have a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement on his desk by the end of the year. In typical trade negotiations, officials argue that content and not an artificially contrived timetable should drive the outcome. Still, an agreement seems unlikely given that Mr. Froman adamantly rejects the EU...
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.