War Mitigation Funds Threatened The Trump Administration has used up its $30 billion in CCC slush funds compensating farmers for the trade war and now Congressional Democrats are threatening to not refill the kitty via a continuing resolution being drafted for the end of September. The motivation is political in that losing the payments could cause farmers, a key Trump constituency, to stop supporting him. But it is also the assertion of Congressional primacy in overseeing how money is spent. Causing the payments to dry up also poses political risks for Democrats, particularly those campaigning for the presidency in the Midwest. Thus, more than likely this is a ploy to hold the Trump Administration accountable for how it is using the money...
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.