Commodity checkoff programs, also known as research and promotion programs, have been the center of controversy in the last few years. As to be expected, with the controversy has come a proposal to reform them.Commodity checkoff programs, also known as research and promotion programs, have been the center of controversy in the last few years. USDA is being sued for allowing the sale of the rights to the marketing slogan “Pork: the other white meat” and the pork chop-shaped logo. Six years after the sale, which occurred in 2006, was approved, the purchase was challenged by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (ICCI), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and a small number of producers. The suit, lingering since 2012, was sen...
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.