The recent record cold weather, especially in the South, will have some lasting impacts on agriculture throughout the new year. On a positive note, a likely benefit includes pest control in places where unseasonably warm weather last year let bugs thrive. On the negative side, many crops, ranging from fruits and vegetables to seedling softwoods that are typically planted in the coming weeks, will be stunted or killed. Meanwhile, poultry producers faced dramatically higher heating costs, particularly those who hatch chicks as they must be kept very warm. One of the biggest and lasting impacts, however, could be on nitrogen fertilizer. Global fertilizer prices were already making a bull run in the fall with China shutting down some productio...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
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.