Historical articles are made available for reference only.
Ag Review - September 2021
For 23 years, WPI’s monthly AgReview publication has provided in-depth analysis of markets and policy. Responding to changes in both business economics and clients’ needs, this will be our last edition. We will continue to include historical analysis with our successful daily Ag Per...
Ag Review - July 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine the impacts of climate change, competition in the oilseeds market, the outlook of the meat industry, policies surrounding the Renewable Fuel Standards under the Biden Admin...
Ag Review - June 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine the commodities boom, policies impacting the Renewable Fuel Standards, the Biden Administration's transatlantic agreements, the flour and egg markets as well as markets in...
Ag Review - May 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine issues surrounding market demand for ethanol, pork, and poultry, as well as future issues impacting the agriculture sector and the politics surrounding them. You’ll a...
Ag Review - April 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine issues surrounding livestock, the sorghum market, the Biden Administration’s infrastructure plan and its impact on agriculture, the markets in China and the Mercosur...
Ag Review - March 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue examines the oilseeds, produce and organic food markets, agriculture policy under the Biden Administration, as well as analysis from China, the Middle East, and Africa. ...
Ag Review - February 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at policy possibilities in the year ahead, the impact of government spending, world grain stocks, pork demand, climate change, international market analysis and much more. ...
Ag Review - December 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at global food supplies, the direction of the diesel market, Russia’s crop production, the future of agribusiness under the new Biden Administration, an analysis of market...
Ag Review - November 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at the global and local impacts of the recent U.S. election, President-Elect Biden’s trade agenda, fiscal policy and the U.S. federal budget, the challenges of long-term f...
Ag Review - October 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at the continued impact of the global pandemic on agriculture markets, the potential implications of the upcoming U.S. elections, changes in Brazil’s tariff policies, an a...
Ag Review - September 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue reviews notable changes in agriculture trade, the impact of the 2020 U.S. election on agriculture legislation, China’s potential influence on the election, Brazil's ethanol policy an...
Ag Review - August 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers such topics as the commodity markets and what to watch, the status of COVID legislation and agriculture spending, the future of global trade, an analysis of markets in China and the...
Ag Review - July 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers such topics as the recovery in cattle prices, a new strategy in the corn market, a surge in the Chinese Dalian exchange, the role of soymeal in aquaculture, the importance of China...
Ag Review - June 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue looks at the relationship between unemployment and food costs, the future of ethanol, the impact of tensions with China, the Trump trade policy, Mercosur developments and much more. ...
Ag Review - May 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue looks at the COVID-19 impact on workers in the food sector, the interrelationship between supply/demand and exchange rates, developments in the Middle East, North Africa and China, details...
Ag Review - April 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the economic downturn and its impact on agriculture demand, what happens as a result of the meat packing plant closures from COVID-19, the shipping problems in Latin America from th...
Ag Review - March 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This month we look at the impact of the coronavirus, the remaking of our food systems, technology in agriculture, insights from China and South America and more. We also remember WPI founder Carole B...
Ag Review - February 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering trade war policies, the challenges facing EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, the impact of the coronavirus, China’s tariff exemptions and more. ...
Ag Review - December 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering the trade war impacts, oil and ethanol developments, a potential next cattle ranching frontier, farm proposals and more. ...
Ag Review - November 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering the next farm bill, the future of ag technology from artificial meat to drones, potential shifts in production to different crops, the outlook for U.S. – Chinese rel...
Ag Review - October 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers changes in China’s meat consumption, a review of the Department of Commerce’s international trade report and what it might tell us about the U.S. economy, an overview of...
Ag Review - September 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the outlook for the 2019/20 U.S. crop marketing year, China's rapidly changing livestock markets, how increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. ag goods is impacting South American trade...
Ag Review - July 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the outlook for the 2019/20 U.S. crop marketing year, China's rapidly changing livestock markets, how slow grain demand is impacting South American traders, and a look at MFP paymen...
Ag Review - June 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the surprising volatility of June 2019's grain markets, the implosion of China's hog markets, and the delicate trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Tweet...
Ag Review - May 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soy complex and biofuels sectors, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - April 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soybean industry and U.S. meat/livestock industry, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - March 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soybean crush and U.S. biofuels industry, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - February 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, the U.S. farm equipment industry, the U.S. meat and livestock industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performanc...
Ag Review - December 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, the U.S. grain and soybean sectors, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - November 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusiness, the U.S. soybean crushing complex, the U.S. meat and livestock industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - October 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusiness, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - September 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs and equipment, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future p...
Ag Review - July 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs and equipment, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future p...
Ag Review - June 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. meat industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - May 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - April 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - March 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - February 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of farm inputs and equipment, the U.S. grain industry, the global soybean outlook, U.S. meat and livestock industry, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - December 2017
2017 was an eventful year for the U.S. economy and the agricultural markets. 2018 promises to be just as interesting, although perhaps not as bullish. A few ag sectors look to continue patterns of the current year as the U.S. biofuels industry is under strong political influence. Meanwhil...
Ag Review - November 2017
This month's look at the markets around the world. We have seen a lot of activity this month and things are looking up internationally. Check out this month's issue for more detail...
Ag Review - October 2017
WPI's monthly publication featuring the following analysis in this issue: Biofuel’s Long Road Ahead U.S. Farm Profitability Outlook Changing Dynamics in Fertilizer Prices Global Trade’s Changing Winds...
Ag Review: Meat Exports and Macroeconomic Opportunities
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: Geopolitics and the Black Sea
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: U.S. Grains and the Weather Market
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: China's Soyoil Problem
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: Can Exports Save the Dairy Industry?
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Grain Industry Industry focus on divesting non-core business units will stabilize b...
Ag Review: 2017 Cow/Calf Profitabitiy Outlook
WPI Agribusiness Subsector OutlookWPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. Wheat Market Risks and New Realities U.S. wheat’s declining global importance gave rise to ongoing battle f...
Ag Review: Farm Equipment Outlook 2017
2016 Agribusiness Performance Recap and 2017 OutlookWPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Grains Industry Now, perhaps more than ever, the U.S. grain industry’s success i...
Ag Review: The Exit of Commodities Bear Market?
WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The Flour Milling Industry Excellent operational management and hedging effectiveness are critical features of this historically low-margin business. Oilse...
Ag Review: Agribusiness Margins in the Face of Uncertainty
WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The Grain Industry Low prices are leading farmers to pursue cost-cutting decisions. In turn, this will pressure margins at all levels of the farm economy,...
Ag Review: Industry Insights and Outlook for Q4 2016
The Grain Industry Farmland values have been among the last to experience the impact of low commodity prices, but the downward pressure has now begun. Oilseed Processing Several factors appear to be converging for the benefit of exporters and processors of U.S. soybeans as well as the livestock...
Ag Review: Aquaculture's Global Appeal
The Aquaculture Juggernaut Despite efforts by antagonists to end fish farming, its efficiency will keep it the dominant animal protein production methodology. Farmed Fish and World Peace Tension between wild-caught fish supply and demand is causing territorial conflict in Southeast Asia and cou...
Ag Review: Trade, the Election, and the Future
Trade, the Election and the Future Renegotiating trade agreements and improving citizen understanding are necessary public policy goals. The Importance of Free Trade Agreements to Livestock More than most other commodities, red meat is subject to trade restrictions around the globe. However, fr...
Ag Review: The Global Livestock Industry
Issues Plaguing the Meat Industry From animal welfare to meat substitutes, the livestock sector faces many challenges. U.S. Meat Exports and the TPP The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC’s) analysis of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) projects the biggest increase in U.S...
Ag Review: Global Wheat Markets and their Outlooks
Wheat Uncompeted Demand will grow, but wheat has been a loser in the competition against other commodities for profit and thus growing area. U.S. Wheat Sector's Decline and Lack of Technology Wheat’s failure to adopt biotechnology caused farmers to shift land into more productive, profita...
Ag Review: Immigration Issues around the World
The Immigration Debate and Agriculture Fundamental changes will impact the migration debate, including in agriculture. Immigration Challenges in Russia and Japan Demographics, policy and religion are factors that will make migration a greater challenge for Russia and Japan. EU Immigration and A...
Ag Review: Opportunities in the Philippines
Sorting Through the Hazards With over 100 million people and an investment grade rating, the Philippines is an important player in the global agricultural market. The Philippines: Helping Tear Down the Blendwall Limits for Ethanol The Philippines is the second-largest and fastest-growing market...
Ag Review: Big Data
From Cold War to Farms Big data got a slow start in agriculture and many fear some of the outcomes it offers, but opportunity is certainly one of them. Linking Big Data to Production Data analytics changed the way baseball is played; how can the agriculture and food sectors follow that path? Te...
Ag Review: The 2016 Outlook
Technology, Finance, Geopolitics and Demographics The big four dynamics of technology, finance, geopolitics and demographics will collide to make 2016 very interesting. The Economy in 2016: Three Bright Spots Looking forward to 2016, there are three predicted bright spots in the U.S. economy, t...
Ag Review: The Trade Issue
Reasons to give TPP the Bronze Bronze is very durable, but it is an alloy rather than a pure metal like gold or silver. The TPP is a bronze standard agreement.. From U.S. Perspective, TPP is About Japan The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been oversold politically in the U.S. as a gateway t...
Ag Review: The Volatility Issue
Loss Avoidance, Volatility and Food Security Volatility is the market seeking supply and demand balance, but the market lacks trust when it comes to balancing the food supply. Policy's Role in Market Volatility Domestic policies can provide an ongoing impact on the market by creating volatility...
Ag Review: The Frontier Markets
Ranking the Frontier Markets By using indices measuring certain fundamentals for prospective market improvement, the five best countries are identified for prospective business engagement. Welcome to the Frontier ̶ Markets Frontier market nations are considered to have serious long-...
Ag Review: Sustainability and Agriculture
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Defining Sustainability Activists, ecologists and economists have all battled over the concept of sustainability, though no one doubts it is an infinite dynamic. Surprise Ending to Economic Sustainability Economic history is filled with prolonged periods of irresponsible action that culminates...
Ag Review: Agriculture's Bear Market
Unsustainable Bears At least seven factors in the modern era prevent agriculture from falling to the historic construct of a long-term bear market following a bullish period. The Global Economy versus Oil Prices and the U.S. Dollar The U.S. oil boom and an appreciating U.S. dollar are helping t...
Ag Review: Water Around The Globe
Water Solution at Hand There are resource constraints on earth, but water is not one of them. Likely Future Conflicts over Water Safe water for human consumption and crop irrigation is a luxury for many countries. In fact, as the global population grows, there very well may be several future gl...
Ag Review: Screwy Currencies
Currency Valuation and Trade The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and the strong U.S. dollar weigh on commodity trading decisions. The TPP and a Provision to Prevent Currency Manipulation There has been a push from certain U.S. sectors to add a provision to the TPP that would prevent si...
Ag Review: India's Possible Transformation
India's Possible Transformation Long a protectionist, backward country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making modest changes that will alter India's agriculture and the broader economy. Indian Summer Rains Indian government programs that encourage excess agricultural production have been criti...
Ag Review: Future Price Action and the Bell Curve
Doomed or Muddling Through Global economic and political developments present many concerns, but there are a few less stark perspectives. The Year Ahead for Soybeans With high global soybean prices over the past six years, the U.S. and South America have sharply increased production to record l...
Ag Review: Transportation Outlook 2014
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Limits on Agriculture and Transport The upcoming U.S. election is occurring amidst geopolitical upheaval and macroeconomic malaise, but there is a pan-Pacific policy positive on the nearby horizon. Storage and Transportation Challenges Impact Soybean Sector This year's record U.S. soybean crop...
Ag Review: The Harvest Issue
Bleak Harvest Ahead The world grain market may be headed into a bear trend due to burgeoning supplies, but a review of the policy seeds that have been sown indicates troubled harvests ahead. Argentina's Legacy of Failed Policies Argentina was one of the world's wealthiest countries at the begin...
Ag Review: The Policy Implications of 2014
Policy for the Rest of 2014 The upcoming U.S. election is occurring amidst geopolitical upheaval and macroeconomic malaise, but there is a pan-Pacific policy positive on the nearby horizon. 2014 Congressional Elections: Fight for Control of the U.S. Senate The stakes for the 2014 congressional...
Ag Review: Timing the Commodity Cycle
Taming the Commodity Cycle Instead of reducing the biofuel mandate, policymakers need to make it a countercyclical approach to balancing supply and demand. Exporters Will Drive the Broiler Sector Among the major proteins, the U.S. poultry sector (especially broiler production) is poised to reco...
Ag Review: Examining China
China's Broad Developments China is spending money on agriculture and trading futures, but self-sufficiency remains an unlikely outcome. China Pork Revolution in Context More than half of the world's swine herd is located in China, and the numbers are growing despite low prices and negative mar...
Ag Review: The Middle East and U.S. Agriculture
Middle East Squeeze The energy abundance brought about by the fracking boom is causing OPEC heartache and could eventually spark another Middle East food crisis. MENA'S Surprising Level of Agricultural Imports Despite the enormous turmoil experienced by countries in the MENA, these nations have...
Ag Review: Commentary on Opportunities in Agriculture
Opportunity: Complementarity The TTIP negotiations are an opportunity, despite the skepticism. The challenge is overcoming all of the pitfalls and finding complementarity. Aquaculture: Leading Food Production Opportunity Aquaculture production has grown at an annual rate of 8.3 percent and must...
Ag Review: Crimea and it's Implications
Crimea River History suggests that geopolitical troubles have less impact on food production than fundamentals like the weather. Crimea: Present Situation, Impact on Ag Business and Outlook A firsthand account of the situation in Ukraine and its impacts on grain and oilseed markets. Caging the...
Ag Review: Crop Planting Update
Planting on New Policy Transfer payments, technocrat speak for taxpayer money given to beneficiaries, amount to around 5 percent of farm income and can only be considered to have marginal impact on planting decisions, but they do have an impact. EU Grains Planting: A Closer Look Grains and oils...
Ag Review: The Outlook for 2014
2014 Agripalooza The market, government and technology development will all three conspire to change things in the agrifood sector in 2014. It will be exciting for some and disappointing for others. 2014 Outlook for the Global Soybean Sector The U.S. and global soybean sectors have enjoyed reco...
Ag Review: Agrifood Technilogical Optimism
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Rethinking AGOA Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) needs to take into account the improved economic condition of some countries and provide a process for transitioning to a reciprocal trade agreement. United States of Africa Policy guidance to the African Union as...
Ag Review: Focus on Africa
Rethinking AGOA Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) needs to take into account the improved economic condition of some countries and provide a process for transitioning to a reciprocal trade agreement. United States of Africa Policy guidance to the African Union as...
Ag Review: The Middle East and U.S. Meat and Poultry Trade
Middle East Food and Demographics Countries in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region vary greatly in size of population, agricultural resources and food imports. However, governance issues will impose limitations on food and agriculture for what appears to be decades to come. The Changing...
Ag Review: The End of the Bull Market
A Lot of Poor Mouths to Feed in Next Decade There will be more mouths to feed in the future but many will reside in the poorest countries and where governance is unstable. This will temper food demand and thus the bull market that has been experienced over the past half dozen years. Climate Cha...
Ag Review: The Globalization of the Food Industry
Threats and Other Silliness No threats, just opportunities. There are alternative ways to think about many things, including those perceived as threats. There could be 70 topics if one looked at all the parts of agri-food that cause fear for some people, but here are seven. Dueling Over Biotec...
Ag Review: Not Your Grandfather's Farm Bill
Swimming Around for Profits All proteins are in demand, but aquaculture holds a unique and very bright future in global markets. Growth Areas for Global Oilseed Production Global demand for oilseeds has been outpacing demand for other major field crops because of greater global economic growth...
Ag Review: Killing the Dead Zone
Numerillogical at the Top There are problems in the agricultural data field, but its quantity and quality do improve over time. Meanwhile, decisions at the policy level repeatedly reflect a lack of understanding about what is available -- and what it all means. The Genetic Modification Debate G...
Ag Review: Two Programs Colide: Sugar and Ethanol
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Ad Nauseam at 50,000 Feet Opining on agriculture’s “sacralized” issues -- those treated as or made sacred, such as locavorism, veganism, food safety, climate change and the like -- is fraught with hazard, but this summation is intended to be informative and hopefully entertain...
Ag Review: Big Crops, Big Problems for Brazil
T, T, T & I from USDA Outlook Forum Key points from four sessions (Technology, Transatlantic, Trade and Insurance) at USDA’s annual Outlook Forum. Big Crops, Bigger Problems for Brazil The world soybean market’s shift from U.S. soybean supplies to South American supplies each Fe...
Ag Review: 2013 Political Economy and Implications
2013 Political Economy and Implications Trade and non-oil commodity values will fare better than overall economic growth, but there is plenty of trouble around the world to keep an eye on. The Future of Wheat As one of the earliest crops cultivated for food by man, not to mention the most preva...
Ag Review: Silver Bullets from Food Science
Silver Bullets from Food Science Researchers and industry are on a path where food will solve some of the largest risks to human health: non-communicable diseases. Weather Shapes the World Grain Outlook The predominant role played by weather in crop production is obvious. What is not so obvious...
Ag Review: The Future of Food II
The Future of Food II Foodies are working hard to return the food system to the good old days, but actual consumer choices make high-technology food the likelier destiny. The Tightening World Wheat Outlook Significant wheat production and supply problems are developing or have already developed...
Ag Review: Commodities and Elections, the Farm Bill and the Election
Commodities and Elections Financial and commodity indicators correlate with elections, but there is a more important conclusion. Soy Prices Fail to Ration Demand Soybean production declined in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay in 2012 because of drought, and as a result U.S. soybean and...
Ag Review: The Great Drought of 2012
Drought Implications The drought has brought with it a variety of explanations and proposed solutions. The Great Drought of 2012 A drought is loosely defined as a lengthy period of sub-normal rainfall usually accompanied by above-normal temperatures. By that definition, the United States is in...
Ag Review: Brazil's Ups and Downs
The Future of the Americas’ Ag Dominance Africa and the former Soviet Union have agricultural potential, but factors favor the Americas as continuing agricultural suppliers. Brazil’s Ups and Downs Brazil’s dominance in agricultural products is a major reason why its economic g...
Ag Review: Tales of Woe
Tales of Woe The foibles and folly of following various food studies and the machinations of politicians. J.P. Morgan Chase and Financial Regulation J.P. Morgan describes its recent $2 billion loss as the result of hedging strategies gone wrong. Setting aside the hyperbole and political rhetori...
Ag Review: Farm Bill - Still North versus South
Big Ag Ends in Big Squeeze The bull market will be prolonged if foodies drive food production techniques back to the Stone Age. Regulating the Villains The role of futures markets has never been well understood by the general public. Nevertheless, the impact of speculators and other non-commerc...
Ag Review: Love, Food and Deception
Love, Food and Deception More rants on the lies that are told about the agrifood system, and those who seek to deceive us. A Wheat Market Surplus The era of government-controlled wheat exports by major exporters is gone, and if we may say so, with good riddance. The evolution of the world wheat...
Ag Review: A World Wheat Index
Impending Change in China China's national interest is to continue economic growth and maintain an adequate supply of food, both of which are ambitions that can profit the West. A World Wheat Index The buying and selling of wheat became the first cash grain trade in the United States. It evolve...
Ag Review: Macro Influences and Fundamentals
Fairness and Food Knowledge, income and food all collide in a microcosm of the larger societal issues now being confronted. Macro Influences and Fundamentals The influence of transnational economic trends on commodity markets and commodity prices has been profound during the past two years, mor...
Ag Review - September 2021
For 23 years, WPI’s monthly AgReview publication has provided in-depth analysis of markets and policy. Responding to changes in both business economics and clients’ needs, this will be our last edition. We will continue to include historical analysis with our successful daily Ag Per...
Ag Review - July 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine the impacts of climate change, competition in the oilseeds market, the outlook of the meat industry, policies surrounding the Renewable Fuel Standards under the Biden Admin...
Ag Review - June 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine the commodities boom, policies impacting the Renewable Fuel Standards, the Biden Administration's transatlantic agreements, the flour and egg markets as well as markets in...
Ag Review - May 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine issues surrounding market demand for ethanol, pork, and poultry, as well as future issues impacting the agriculture sector and the politics surrounding them. You’ll a...
Ag Review - April 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This month we examine issues surrounding livestock, the sorghum market, the Biden Administration’s infrastructure plan and its impact on agriculture, the markets in China and the Mercosur...
Ag Review - March 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue examines the oilseeds, produce and organic food markets, agriculture policy under the Biden Administration, as well as analysis from China, the Middle East, and Africa. ...
Ag Review - February 2021
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at policy possibilities in the year ahead, the impact of government spending, world grain stocks, pork demand, climate change, international market analysis and much more. ...
Ag Review - December 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at global food supplies, the direction of the diesel market, Russia’s crop production, the future of agribusiness under the new Biden Administration, an analysis of market...
Ag Review - November 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at the global and local impacts of the recent U.S. election, President-Elect Biden’s trade agenda, fiscal policy and the U.S. federal budget, the challenges of long-term f...
Ag Review - October 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy analysis articles. This issue looks at the continued impact of the global pandemic on agriculture markets, the potential implications of the upcoming U.S. elections, changes in Brazil’s tariff policies, an a...
Ag Review - September 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue reviews notable changes in agriculture trade, the impact of the 2020 U.S. election on agriculture legislation, China’s potential influence on the election, Brazil's ethanol policy an...
Ag Review - August 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers such topics as the commodity markets and what to watch, the status of COVID legislation and agriculture spending, the future of global trade, an analysis of markets in China and the...
Ag Review - July 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers such topics as the recovery in cattle prices, a new strategy in the corn market, a surge in the Chinese Dalian exchange, the role of soymeal in aquaculture, the importance of China...
Ag Review - June 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue looks at the relationship between unemployment and food costs, the future of ethanol, the impact of tensions with China, the Trump trade policy, Mercosur developments and much more. ...
Ag Review - May 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue looks at the COVID-19 impact on workers in the food sector, the interrelationship between supply/demand and exchange rates, developments in the Middle East, North Africa and China, details...
Ag Review - April 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the economic downturn and its impact on agriculture demand, what happens as a result of the meat packing plant closures from COVID-19, the shipping problems in Latin America from th...
Ag Review - March 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This month we look at the impact of the coronavirus, the remaking of our food systems, technology in agriculture, insights from China and South America and more. We also remember WPI founder Carole B...
Ag Review - February 2020
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering trade war policies, the challenges facing EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, the impact of the coronavirus, China’s tariff exemptions and more. ...
Ag Review - December 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering the trade war impacts, oil and ethanol developments, a potential next cattle ranching frontier, farm proposals and more. ...
Ag Review - November 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. There are articles covering the next farm bill, the future of ag technology from artificial meat to drones, potential shifts in production to different crops, the outlook for U.S. – Chinese rel...
Ag Review - October 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers changes in China’s meat consumption, a review of the Department of Commerce’s international trade report and what it might tell us about the U.S. economy, an overview of...
Ag Review - September 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the outlook for the 2019/20 U.S. crop marketing year, China's rapidly changing livestock markets, how increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. ag goods is impacting South American trade...
Ag Review - July 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the outlook for the 2019/20 U.S. crop marketing year, China's rapidly changing livestock markets, how slow grain demand is impacting South American traders, and a look at MFP paymen...
Ag Review - June 2019
WPI's monthly publication features a review of the past month's market and policy developments. This issue covers the surprising volatility of June 2019's grain markets, the implosion of China's hog markets, and the delicate trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Tweet...
Ag Review - May 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soy complex and biofuels sectors, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - April 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soybean industry and U.S. meat/livestock industry, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - March 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, outlooks for the U.S. soybean crush and U.S. biofuels industry, and an assessment of certain global trade policies. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - February 2019
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, the U.S. farm equipment industry, the U.S. meat and livestock industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performanc...
Ag Review - December 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusinesses, the U.S. grain and soybean sectors, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - November 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusiness, the U.S. soybean crushing complex, the U.S. meat and livestock industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - October 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of U.S. agribusiness, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - September 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs and equipment, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future p...
Ag Review - July 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs and equipment, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future p...
Ag Review - June 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. meat industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - May 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - April 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - March 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of the U.S. grain industry, U.S. soybean marketing strategies, the U.S. biofuels industry, the global outlook for farm inputs, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - February 2018
WPI's monthly publication features analyses of farm inputs and equipment, the U.S. grain industry, the global soybean outlook, U.S. meat and livestock industry, and policy trends. It also provides a review of agribusiness stock prices along with expectations for future performance...
Ag Review - December 2017
2017 was an eventful year for the U.S. economy and the agricultural markets. 2018 promises to be just as interesting, although perhaps not as bullish. A few ag sectors look to continue patterns of the current year as the U.S. biofuels industry is under strong political influence. Meanwhil...
Ag Review - November 2017
This month's look at the markets around the world. We have seen a lot of activity this month and things are looking up internationally. Check out this month's issue for more detail...
Ag Review - October 2017
WPI's monthly publication featuring the following analysis in this issue: Biofuel’s Long Road Ahead U.S. Farm Profitability Outlook Changing Dynamics in Fertilizer Prices Global Trade’s Changing Winds...
Ag Review: Meat Exports and Macroeconomic Opportunities
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: Geopolitics and the Black Sea
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: U.S. Grains and the Weather Market
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: China's Soyoil Problem
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook A brief review of WPI’s past Bull/Bear calls and industry stock price performance. WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Gr...
Ag Review: Can Exports Save the Dairy Industry?
WPI Agribusiness Subsector Outlook WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Grain Industry Industry focus on divesting non-core business units will stabilize b...
Ag Review: 2017 Cow/Calf Profitabitiy Outlook
WPI Agribusiness Subsector OutlookWPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. Wheat Market Risks and New Realities U.S. wheat’s declining global importance gave rise to ongoing battle f...
Ag Review: Farm Equipment Outlook 2017
2016 Agribusiness Performance Recap and 2017 OutlookWPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness in 2017 A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The U.S. Grains Industry Now, perhaps more than ever, the U.S. grain industry’s success i...
Ag Review: The Exit of Commodities Bear Market?
WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The Flour Milling Industry Excellent operational management and hedging effectiveness are critical features of this historically low-margin business. Oilse...
Ag Review: Agribusiness Margins in the Face of Uncertainty
WPI Bull/Bear Leanings for Agribusiness A summary and graphical depictions of WPI’s expectations for future agribusiness performance. The Grain Industry Low prices are leading farmers to pursue cost-cutting decisions. In turn, this will pressure margins at all levels of the farm economy,...
Ag Review: Industry Insights and Outlook for Q4 2016
The Grain Industry Farmland values have been among the last to experience the impact of low commodity prices, but the downward pressure has now begun. Oilseed Processing Several factors appear to be converging for the benefit of exporters and processors of U.S. soybeans as well as the livestock...
Ag Review: Aquaculture's Global Appeal
The Aquaculture Juggernaut Despite efforts by antagonists to end fish farming, its efficiency will keep it the dominant animal protein production methodology. Farmed Fish and World Peace Tension between wild-caught fish supply and demand is causing territorial conflict in Southeast Asia and cou...
Ag Review: Trade, the Election, and the Future
Trade, the Election and the Future Renegotiating trade agreements and improving citizen understanding are necessary public policy goals. The Importance of Free Trade Agreements to Livestock More than most other commodities, red meat is subject to trade restrictions around the globe. However, fr...
Ag Review: The Global Livestock Industry
Issues Plaguing the Meat Industry From animal welfare to meat substitutes, the livestock sector faces many challenges. U.S. Meat Exports and the TPP The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC’s) analysis of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) projects the biggest increase in U.S...
Ag Review: Global Wheat Markets and their Outlooks
Wheat Uncompeted Demand will grow, but wheat has been a loser in the competition against other commodities for profit and thus growing area. U.S. Wheat Sector's Decline and Lack of Technology Wheat’s failure to adopt biotechnology caused farmers to shift land into more productive, profita...
Ag Review: Immigration Issues around the World
The Immigration Debate and Agriculture Fundamental changes will impact the migration debate, including in agriculture. Immigration Challenges in Russia and Japan Demographics, policy and religion are factors that will make migration a greater challenge for Russia and Japan. EU Immigration and A...
Ag Review: Opportunities in the Philippines
Sorting Through the Hazards With over 100 million people and an investment grade rating, the Philippines is an important player in the global agricultural market. The Philippines: Helping Tear Down the Blendwall Limits for Ethanol The Philippines is the second-largest and fastest-growing market...
Ag Review: Big Data
From Cold War to Farms Big data got a slow start in agriculture and many fear some of the outcomes it offers, but opportunity is certainly one of them. Linking Big Data to Production Data analytics changed the way baseball is played; how can the agriculture and food sectors follow that path? Te...
Ag Review: The 2016 Outlook
Technology, Finance, Geopolitics and Demographics The big four dynamics of technology, finance, geopolitics and demographics will collide to make 2016 very interesting. The Economy in 2016: Three Bright Spots Looking forward to 2016, there are three predicted bright spots in the U.S. economy, t...
Ag Review: The Trade Issue
Reasons to give TPP the Bronze Bronze is very durable, but it is an alloy rather than a pure metal like gold or silver. The TPP is a bronze standard agreement.. From U.S. Perspective, TPP is About Japan The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been oversold politically in the U.S. as a gateway t...
Ag Review: The Volatility Issue
Loss Avoidance, Volatility and Food Security Volatility is the market seeking supply and demand balance, but the market lacks trust when it comes to balancing the food supply. Policy's Role in Market Volatility Domestic policies can provide an ongoing impact on the market by creating volatility...
Ag Review: The Frontier Markets
Ranking the Frontier Markets By using indices measuring certain fundamentals for prospective market improvement, the five best countries are identified for prospective business engagement. Welcome to the Frontier ̶ Markets Frontier market nations are considered to have serious long-...
Ag Review: Sustainability and Agriculture
Defining Sustainability Activists, ecologists and economists have all battled over the concept of sustainability, though no one doubts it is an infinite dynamic. Surprise Ending to Economic Sustainability Economic history is filled with prolonged periods of irresponsible action that culminates...
Ag Review: Agriculture's Bear Market
Unsustainable Bears At least seven factors in the modern era prevent agriculture from falling to the historic construct of a long-term bear market following a bullish period. The Global Economy versus Oil Prices and the U.S. Dollar The U.S. oil boom and an appreciating U.S. dollar are helping t...
Ag Review: Water Around The Globe
Water Solution at Hand There are resource constraints on earth, but water is not one of them. Likely Future Conflicts over Water Safe water for human consumption and crop irrigation is a luxury for many countries. In fact, as the global population grows, there very well may be several future gl...
Ag Review: Screwy Currencies
Currency Valuation and Trade The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and the strong U.S. dollar weigh on commodity trading decisions. The TPP and a Provision to Prevent Currency Manipulation There has been a push from certain U.S. sectors to add a provision to the TPP that would prevent si...
Ag Review: India's Possible Transformation
India's Possible Transformation Long a protectionist, backward country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making modest changes that will alter India's agriculture and the broader economy. Indian Summer Rains Indian government programs that encourage excess agricultural production have been criti...
Ag Review: Future Price Action and the Bell Curve
Doomed or Muddling Through Global economic and political developments present many concerns, but there are a few less stark perspectives. The Year Ahead for Soybeans With high global soybean prices over the past six years, the U.S. and South America have sharply increased production to record l...
Ag Review: Transportation Outlook 2014
Limits on Agriculture and Transport The upcoming U.S. election is occurring amidst geopolitical upheaval and macroeconomic malaise, but there is a pan-Pacific policy positive on the nearby horizon. Storage and Transportation Challenges Impact Soybean Sector This year's record U.S. soybean crop...
Ag Review: The Harvest Issue
Bleak Harvest Ahead The world grain market may be headed into a bear trend due to burgeoning supplies, but a review of the policy seeds that have been sown indicates troubled harvests ahead. Argentina's Legacy of Failed Policies Argentina was one of the world's wealthiest countries at the begin...
Ag Review: The Policy Implications of 2014
Policy for the Rest of 2014 The upcoming U.S. election is occurring amidst geopolitical upheaval and macroeconomic malaise, but there is a pan-Pacific policy positive on the nearby horizon. 2014 Congressional Elections: Fight for Control of the U.S. Senate The stakes for the 2014 congressional...
Ag Review: Timing the Commodity Cycle
Taming the Commodity Cycle Instead of reducing the biofuel mandate, policymakers need to make it a countercyclical approach to balancing supply and demand. Exporters Will Drive the Broiler Sector Among the major proteins, the U.S. poultry sector (especially broiler production) is poised to reco...
Ag Review: Examining China
China's Broad Developments China is spending money on agriculture and trading futures, but self-sufficiency remains an unlikely outcome. China Pork Revolution in Context More than half of the world's swine herd is located in China, and the numbers are growing despite low prices and negative mar...
Ag Review: The Middle East and U.S. Agriculture
Middle East Squeeze The energy abundance brought about by the fracking boom is causing OPEC heartache and could eventually spark another Middle East food crisis. MENA'S Surprising Level of Agricultural Imports Despite the enormous turmoil experienced by countries in the MENA, these nations have...
Ag Review: Commentary on Opportunities in Agriculture
Opportunity: Complementarity The TTIP negotiations are an opportunity, despite the skepticism. The challenge is overcoming all of the pitfalls and finding complementarity. Aquaculture: Leading Food Production Opportunity Aquaculture production has grown at an annual rate of 8.3 percent and must...
Ag Review: Crimea and it's Implications
Crimea River History suggests that geopolitical troubles have less impact on food production than fundamentals like the weather. Crimea: Present Situation, Impact on Ag Business and Outlook A firsthand account of the situation in Ukraine and its impacts on grain and oilseed markets. Caging the...
Ag Review: Crop Planting Update
Planting on New Policy Transfer payments, technocrat speak for taxpayer money given to beneficiaries, amount to around 5 percent of farm income and can only be considered to have marginal impact on planting decisions, but they do have an impact. EU Grains Planting: A Closer Look Grains and oils...
Ag Review: The Outlook for 2014
2014 Agripalooza The market, government and technology development will all three conspire to change things in the agrifood sector in 2014. It will be exciting for some and disappointing for others. 2014 Outlook for the Global Soybean Sector The U.S. and global soybean sectors have enjoyed reco...
Ag Review: Agrifood Technilogical Optimism
Rethinking AGOA Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) needs to take into account the improved economic condition of some countries and provide a process for transitioning to a reciprocal trade agreement. United States of Africa Policy guidance to the African Union as...
Ag Review: Focus on Africa
Rethinking AGOA Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) needs to take into account the improved economic condition of some countries and provide a process for transitioning to a reciprocal trade agreement. United States of Africa Policy guidance to the African Union as...
Ag Review: The Middle East and U.S. Meat and Poultry Trade
Middle East Food and Demographics Countries in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region vary greatly in size of population, agricultural resources and food imports. However, governance issues will impose limitations on food and agriculture for what appears to be decades to come. The Changing...
Ag Review: The End of the Bull Market
A Lot of Poor Mouths to Feed in Next Decade There will be more mouths to feed in the future but many will reside in the poorest countries and where governance is unstable. This will temper food demand and thus the bull market that has been experienced over the past half dozen years. Climate Cha...
Ag Review: The Globalization of the Food Industry
Threats and Other Silliness No threats, just opportunities. There are alternative ways to think about many things, including those perceived as threats. There could be 70 topics if one looked at all the parts of agri-food that cause fear for some people, but here are seven. Dueling Over Biotec...
Ag Review: Not Your Grandfather's Farm Bill
Swimming Around for Profits All proteins are in demand, but aquaculture holds a unique and very bright future in global markets. Growth Areas for Global Oilseed Production Global demand for oilseeds has been outpacing demand for other major field crops because of greater global economic growth...
Ag Review: Killing the Dead Zone
Numerillogical at the Top There are problems in the agricultural data field, but its quantity and quality do improve over time. Meanwhile, decisions at the policy level repeatedly reflect a lack of understanding about what is available -- and what it all means. The Genetic Modification Debate G...
Ag Review: Two Programs Colide: Sugar and Ethanol
Ad Nauseam at 50,000 Feet Opining on agriculture’s “sacralized” issues -- those treated as or made sacred, such as locavorism, veganism, food safety, climate change and the like -- is fraught with hazard, but this summation is intended to be informative and hopefully entertain...
Ag Review: Big Crops, Big Problems for Brazil
T, T, T & I from USDA Outlook Forum Key points from four sessions (Technology, Transatlantic, Trade and Insurance) at USDA’s annual Outlook Forum. Big Crops, Bigger Problems for Brazil The world soybean market’s shift from U.S. soybean supplies to South American supplies each Fe...
Ag Review: 2013 Political Economy and Implications
2013 Political Economy and Implications Trade and non-oil commodity values will fare better than overall economic growth, but there is plenty of trouble around the world to keep an eye on. The Future of Wheat As one of the earliest crops cultivated for food by man, not to mention the most preva...
Ag Review: Silver Bullets from Food Science
Silver Bullets from Food Science Researchers and industry are on a path where food will solve some of the largest risks to human health: non-communicable diseases. Weather Shapes the World Grain Outlook The predominant role played by weather in crop production is obvious. What is not so obvious...
Ag Review: The Future of Food II
The Future of Food II Foodies are working hard to return the food system to the good old days, but actual consumer choices make high-technology food the likelier destiny. The Tightening World Wheat Outlook Significant wheat production and supply problems are developing or have already developed...
Ag Review: Commodities and Elections, the Farm Bill and the Election
Commodities and Elections Financial and commodity indicators correlate with elections, but there is a more important conclusion. Soy Prices Fail to Ration Demand Soybean production declined in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay in 2012 because of drought, and as a result U.S. soybean and...
Ag Review: The Great Drought of 2012
Drought Implications The drought has brought with it a variety of explanations and proposed solutions. The Great Drought of 2012 A drought is loosely defined as a lengthy period of sub-normal rainfall usually accompanied by above-normal temperatures. By that definition, the United States is in...
Ag Review: Brazil's Ups and Downs
The Future of the Americas’ Ag Dominance Africa and the former Soviet Union have agricultural potential, but factors favor the Americas as continuing agricultural suppliers. Brazil’s Ups and Downs Brazil’s dominance in agricultural products is a major reason why its economic g...
Ag Review: Tales of Woe
Tales of Woe The foibles and folly of following various food studies and the machinations of politicians. J.P. Morgan Chase and Financial Regulation J.P. Morgan describes its recent $2 billion loss as the result of hedging strategies gone wrong. Setting aside the hyperbole and political rhetori...
Ag Review: Farm Bill - Still North versus South
Big Ag Ends in Big Squeeze The bull market will be prolonged if foodies drive food production techniques back to the Stone Age. Regulating the Villains The role of futures markets has never been well understood by the general public. Nevertheless, the impact of speculators and other non-commerc...
Ag Review: Love, Food and Deception
Love, Food and Deception More rants on the lies that are told about the agrifood system, and those who seek to deceive us. A Wheat Market Surplus The era of government-controlled wheat exports by major exporters is gone, and if we may say so, with good riddance. The evolution of the world wheat...
Ag Review: A World Wheat Index
Impending Change in China China's national interest is to continue economic growth and maintain an adequate supply of food, both of which are ambitions that can profit the West. A World Wheat Index The buying and selling of wheat became the first cash grain trade in the United States. It evolve...
Ag Review: Macro Influences and Fundamentals
Fairness and Food Knowledge, income and food all collide in a microcosm of the larger societal issues now being confronted. Macro Influences and Fundamentals The influence of transnational economic trends on commodity markets and commodity prices has been profound during the past two years, mor...