A planned work boycott by immigrant employees had an impact on the meat-packing sector.Immigration policy has been a contentious issue for years, but agriculture’s concerns about it have only heightened since the Trump administration took office promising to implement a hardline stance. While there have been no changes to date in that policy, the expectation of such and the rancorous ongoing debate are already having some impact in the economy with yesterday as an example. A social media-organized protest and work boycott called “A Day Without Immigrants” saw large numbers of immigrant workers absent from their jobs. Those boycotting work included packing plant employees, which slowed meat production. The estimated daily kill totals were 96...
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...