A long time ago, we spent quite a few years involved in merchandising U.S. wheat for export to markets scattered around the globe from the former Soviet Union to China and the rest of Asia. Wheat dominated world grain trade, and U.S. wheat dominated world wheat trade. Those were exciting times for wheat traders, and we still look back on those years with fond memories. It is probably natural that we still carry a certain small bias toward markets for physical wheat supplies and for wheat futures markets. To say that wheat trade has changed in the last 50 years is an understatement. In 1969 and many years prior, both the U.S. and the EU were operating farm programs with high support prices for grains. This was especially true for whe...
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.
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...