World Perspectives
biofuel energy

Lower Fuel Use Reignites RFS Fight

As of last week, according to the Renewable Fuel Association (RFA), 73 of the nation’s 200 ethanol plants are idled and 70 percent are operating at reduced capacity. This would imply that 57 are still operating at normal output levels. Those plants have seen their gross margins bounce on DDGS and distillers corn oil prices, and a drop in corn and natural gas costs. However, as an industry, the picture is bleak when extrapolating the margins across production levels and comparing to the industry’s sunk capital and fixed costs.  Demand for motor fuel has hit its lowest levels in decades because of the limits on travel and the general economic slowdown caused by the mitigation efforts for COVID-19. Now that we’re c...

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livestock

Livestock Roundup: U.S. and Global Beef Markets

USDA confirmed last Friday, 31 October, that despite the shutdown several key reports will be issued, including the November Cattle on Feed report, scheduled for 21 November.  There will be no data from the October report, but that information could be available through the month-to-month...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds

Historic Trends in USDA’s November Crop Production Report

Heading into next week’s (mercifully) planned USDA Crop Production and WASDE reports, a key focus of the markets has been forecasting the agency’s yield numbers.  Over the past five years, USDA has exhibited a tendency to reduce its forecast of the corn and soybean yield, harve...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Soybeans Rally as China Cuts Tariffs; Cattle Implosion Continues

Trade was once again at the forefront of the CBOT’s trade on Wednesday, with reductions in Chinese tariffs, rumors of Chinese buying, and a dimming political outlook for President Trump’s tariff regime being the most salient factors.  China announced today that it will cut tari...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: U.S. and Global Beef Markets

USDA confirmed last Friday, 31 October, that despite the shutdown several key reports will be issued, including the November Cattle on Feed report, scheduled for 21 November.  There will be no data from the October report, but that information could be available through the month-to-month...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds

Historic Trends in USDA’s November Crop Production Report

Heading into next week’s (mercifully) planned USDA Crop Production and WASDE reports, a key focus of the markets has been forecasting the agency’s yield numbers.  Over the past five years, USDA has exhibited a tendency to reduce its forecast of the corn and soybean yield, harve...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Soybeans Rally as China Cuts Tariffs; Cattle Implosion Continues

Trade was once again at the forefront of the CBOT’s trade on Wednesday, with reductions in Chinese tariffs, rumors of Chinese buying, and a dimming political outlook for President Trump’s tariff regime being the most salient factors.  China announced today that it will cut tari...

IEEPA Alternatives; Transatlantic Machinations; Anti-Bubble in Ag

IEEPA Alternatives The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments today challenging President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to unilaterally set tariffs on ther countries. Mr. Trump characterized the High Court’s decision as involving, “lit...

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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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