We are idiots. There is a certain elegance to New Age agriculture. Miles and miles of fields dedicated to either corn or soybeans are so vainly contrived by humans. Nature’s success is found in the immense diversity of a fallow field. What could be more equitable and inclusive? Strangely, the same species that tamed fire, split atoms with neutrons and suppressed the deadliest global virus within months using mRNA technology is an idiot about basic 10,000-year-old farming. Opponents of monoculture argue that it violates nature, and what could be better than nature? So, interlace your crops – mix it up and deal with the resulting immense logistical hurdles of extracting adequate nutrients from fallow ground. Why is inventin...
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.