Note that while next year's forecast regarding increases in protein pricing returns to normal 20-year trends for consumer inflation, it will be from a much higher base price level. Proteins will continue to be expensive outlays for consumers and at a higher level than in the past. Protein Inflation Big news this week in the food service sector was that Darden Restaurants has made a corporate restructuring to save $20 million in order to accommodate increased meat and dairy costs that it estimates to be an extra $10 million. According to the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS), cattle prices increased 3.8 percent in September 2014 and are now up 31.2 percent compared with a year ago at this time, while wholesale beef prices are up 26.8...
What You Need to Know Today: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
Key Takeaways: With the fall calf run now upon us, producers are finally getting a glimpse of what their realized profits will be for 2026. Some producers may have already obtained a strong estimate of 2026 revenues, especially if calves were forward sold in, for example, the mid-summer...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...
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.