When grocery stores began using electronic scanners to capture prices paid for meat, it was assumed that the livestock industry could capitalize on having these point-of-sale data available as a measure of the value of its products. This report compares scanner price data (SPD) with publicly available data collected. Of the two data types, SPD provide more info. about retail meat markets, including a wider variety of meat-cut prices, multiple measures of an average price, the volume of sales, and the relative importance of discounted prices. The SPD sample, however, is not statistically drawn, and complicated processing requirements delay its release, which makes SPD less useful than other data for analyzing current market conditions. Illus.

Straightforward and accessible, Commodity Investing balances academic-quality analysis with clear, compelling prose, and provides those interested in this fast-growing field with unparalleled investment insights. Page by page, you’ll acquire a deeper understanding of this discipline and discover how to make more informed decisions when investing in such a dynamic environment. With this book as your guide, you’ll benefit from the lessons of experienced practitioners and quickly come to grips with what it takes to make it in today’s commodity market.

Friendly and readable, Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis presents a comprehensive approach to agricultural price analysis, agricultural market structures, and agricultural marketing strategies. The authors engage students with very little exposure to economics and with only a basic grasp of algebra. The text utilizes a fresh approach and supplies thorough coverage of core topics, as well as complex topics such as general equilibrium models, game theory, and econometrics. It also provides an introduction to data analysis and incorporates many examples. Supplemental materials are available for additional practice and further exploration. Unique to the Second Edition is the inclusion of a chapter on consumer behavior and food preferences, as well as relevant areas of research. The authors introduce readers to the agricultural supply chain, including forecasting and inventory management. Succinct and approachable, this text sets the stage for an enjoyable and effective learning experience.