As we have occasionally noted, the futures market has a fascination with grain and soybean exports, one that is fueled by the daily reports of large sales and the weekly sales reports from USDA/FAS. Seemingly, the pace of those commodities’ sales and shipments to overseas destinations is more exciting than the rate at which they are consumed domestically. The fact that U.S. grain and soy exports face far more competition from other origins than 20 or 30 years ago probably adds to the market’s emphasis on them, and it certainly raises the level of interest in USDA’s estimates of U.S. exports during each crop cycle. Of course, from the standpoint of fundamental supply and demand, a bushel that is fed, processed or milled in...
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.