World Perspectives

Wrong Question; Worse to Come; Cows Exempt

Wrong Question In the 1980 presidential campaign just before Thanksgiving, inflation was soaring, and Iran held American diplomats’ hostage. Candidate Ronald Reagan asked the public if they were better off with his opponent, Jimmy Carter being President? President Biden tried a similar tack this week, arguing that, “This Thanksgiving we’re all in a very different circumstance, things are a hell of a lot better.” Critics note that Thanksgiving dinner will be the most expensive in history, costing at least 5 percent more than last year and that is if you can find a turkey. There will be fewer products and deals on Black Friday and Christmas trees are in short supply due to drought. It was a tough election day yesterda...

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WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 30 June)

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Summary of Futures

Sep 25 Corn closed at $4.0925/bushel, down $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.3825/bushel, down $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.27/bushel, up $0.0225 from yesterday's close.  Aug 25 Soymeal closed at $275.8/short ton, up $0.2...

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From WPI Consulting

Forecasting developments in production agriculture

On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.

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