Aside from being the U.S. Independence Day holiday, the 4th of July is traditionally considered to be a key point in the development of spring-planted crops, especially corn. Normally, much of the Midwestern corn crop is headed toward its pollination stage later in the month, which ratchets up the importance of soil moisture, rainfall prospects and temperatures to ultimate yield potential. Crop analysts used to spend at least part of this holiday inside watching the Weather Channel on television. They can of course now watch weather radar maps and the latest forecasts on their smart phones while at the beach, a picnic, a ballgame or during the fireworks display. There is a potential weather story to be told on this year’s 4th of July...
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.