The cattle and beef markets need clarity. The last Cattle on Feed report was fundamentally bearish, but prices have only gone higher since then. Packer margins are near record highs for this time of year, while cash cattle prices are near seasonal lows. Feedlot margins are theoretically in the red, but feeder calf values continue to rise (thanks, partly, to cheaper corn). Beef exports are relatively robust, but domestic demand remains flat overall. So, the present situation seems full of contradictions that Friday’s Cattle on Feed report may resolve. This analyst’s models suggest the 1 September total cattle on feed inventory will be up from last year with placements and marketings lower. To analyze the report’s likely fi...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
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.