The current soybean market is a far cry from what most analysts expected, and we have once again been reminded that it is wise to be wary when there is a near unanimous analytical consensus on long-term market prospects.One reason why commodity markets are so fascinating and even addictive is that the factors that combine to establish values seldom, if ever, go as planned or predicted. This is particularly true for agricultural commodities. Analysts can carefully study production economics and forecast the production volume of various crops as well as the resulting total supply of each crop that will be available. They can consider the economic factors that determine demand with equal care and forecast how much of each crop will be needed...
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.