World Perspectives

Policy Quick Hits

Pork Plant Line Speeds USDA extended the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) faster line speed trial period for 90 days; the program was scheduled to expire on 30 November. There are six packing plants operating under the NSIS, located withing about 100 miles of approximately 40 percent of U.S. hog production. The expiration would have reduced hog processing operational capacity and weighed on already bearish hog prices. The National Pork Producers Council estimates that the lower processing throughput with a loss of the faster line speeds would push hog prices down about $10 per head in the near term. The extension will allow a study of the effects of the faster line speed impact on worker safety; data was collected during the trial, but...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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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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