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The HC Commodities Podcast

Seed Oils, Biofuels, Proteins and Politics with Walter Cronin

Jan 29, 2025
Walter Cronin, co-founder and president of White River Nutrition, dives into the bustling world of commodity markets. He discusses how 2024 brought wild price swings in seed oils and biofuels driven by changing yields and demand. Walter reveals why the U.S. has become the largest importer of used cooking oil. He explores the implications of new biofuels policies and the potential shifts in global meat demand. With insights on soybean processing and nutrition, he delves into the future of sustainable fuels and protein production.
44:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The soybean market is resilient, driven by consistent global demand despite fluctuating production levels and changing international trade dynamics.
  • The biofuels sector faces uncertainty due to shifting regulatory frameworks and market preferences, particularly regarding the use of used cooking oil versus soybean oil.

Deep dives

Soybean Market Growth and Production

The soybean market is experiencing significant growth driven by an expanding global population, which is a steadfast source of demand with no viable alternatives on the horizon. In 2024, production levels improved globally, particularly with a recovery in Argentina, despite its previous challenges. Despite concerns about potential surplus protein meal production in the U.S. due to increased processing capacity, demand continues to match supply closely, preventing any surplus from materializing. This situation indicates the resilience of the market, with analysts needing to adjust their expectations towards consistent demand rather than a looming oversupply.

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