Energy versus Ag The Biden White House is reportedly undecided over biofuel blend mandates for 2021 and 2022 and is being asked to intervene in Mexico’s effort to renationalize its energy industry, neither of which speaks well for agriculture. Reports say the White House is torn between fuel distributors who do not want to blend in expensive ethanol and other biofuels, and the rural states that see such blending as key to profitable farming. The indecision seems illogical from an Administration that seeks to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. It similarly seems implausible that the White House would intercede on behalf of the oil industry when it comes to Mexico’s energy sector but not take an aggressive posi...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.