The February Cold Storage report’s numbers reflect a significant drawdown in red meat and poultry stocks compared to one year ago. Total red meat and poultry inventories were down nearly 9 percent year-over-year, despite higher slaughter and meat production numbers for the month. The report reflects strong beef and pork demand, with low-cost pork gaining some advantage against higher-priced beef in consumers’ preferences. Overall, however, the report offers a strong demand outlook for the beef, pork, and poultry industries through at least Q2 2024. ...
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.
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets saw diverging trends this week as Capesize vessel rates surged on strong demand while Panamax and smaller vessel classes saw mostly steady/firmer trade. The situation in the Persian Gulf continues to deteriorate with hopes for an Iran-Oman managed system o...
Energy: Fewer Routes, More Pressure Brent crude is back above $100, while WTI has closed higher for seven consecutive sessions as multiple supply routes come under pressure and the market runs out of workarounds. U.S. forces destroyed five Iranian crude-oil carriers Tuesday after Iran attempted...
Beef packer margins declined to $199/head last week, down $60 from the prior week as the Choice cutout retreated while fed cattle prices were steady. The cutout fell nearly $8/cwt to $374/cwt, while fed cattle held near $219/cwt, narrowing packer spreads after their sharp August recovery. Despi...