World Perspectives
livestock

Dissecting the Protein Market

Populist U.S. politicians are criticizing the meat sector and blaming higher prices on agribusiness concentration. The usual target is beef where 85 percent of product is processed by the four largest firms, followed by poultry where 65 percent is similarly controlled. However, based on data just released by USDA, the wholesale – retail spread (retail price minus the wholesale price) fell most during last-half 2022 for beef (-2.3 percent). The ratio rose 20.4 percent for pork, and 33 percent for poultry. However, the chicken market has had the anomalous impact of an avian influenza outbreak coupled with rising demand. The price rose faster to temper demand against a shrinking supply.  Separately, the Danish are considering a tax...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Reports Offer Few Surprises, Weather Dominates Trade Outlook

The USDA’s Grain Stocks and Acreage reports dominated the CBOT’s attention on Monday with the Noon ET release of both datasets driving the day’s action. There were relatively few surprises in the report but minor deviations from expectations helped create support in new crop s...

Un-Trade Agreements; Ag in Big Beautiful Bill; CAP Controversy

Un-Trade Agreements It did not take long for Canadian officials to reverse their digital services tax after President Trump threatened to end trade negotiations. Canada is second only to Mexico in terms of trade dependence on the U.S. Many Canadian producers are already hurting from trade sanct...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 30 June)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: USDA Reports Offer Few Surprises, Weather Dominates Trade Outlook

The USDA’s Grain Stocks and Acreage reports dominated the CBOT’s attention on Monday with the Noon ET release of both datasets driving the day’s action. There were relatively few surprises in the report but minor deviations from expectations helped create support in new crop s...

Un-Trade Agreements; Ag in Big Beautiful Bill; CAP Controversy

Un-Trade Agreements It did not take long for Canadian officials to reverse their digital services tax after President Trump threatened to end trade negotiations. Canada is second only to Mexico in terms of trade dependence on the U.S. Many Canadian producers are already hurting from trade sanct...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 30 June)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Sep 25 Corn closed at $4.0925/bushel, down $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.3825/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.27/bushel, up $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Aug 25 Soymeal closed at $275.8/short ton, up $0.2...

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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.

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