In the 2008 farm bill, USDA was directed to promulgate regulations that prohibit packers, and livestock and poultry contractors from engaging in undue preferences for select producers and unfair practices against others. That rule was published in December 2020 and went into effect in January of this year. Today, USDA issued a statement on how it will enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) under the new rule, promising a “significant pivot from the previous administration.” The timing of today’s release of the new enforcement policy is to “celebrate” the 100th anniversary of the PSA (originally enacted in August 1921) and to “strengthen” USDA’s enforcement while it is...
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.