A good topic for Friday is the big picture outlook of what is on the horizon, the so-called “30,000-foot view” so named because that is the cruising altitude of airliners, and a particularly appropriate metaphor as much of the farm belt is often referred to as “fly over” country between the coasts. We’ve picked three broad categories to watch between now and the next farm bill. Ag technology: The building of vertical, indoor, urban and/or controlled environment grow facilities started as a coastal thing. These facilities are indoor, hydroponic, often automated with IT and robotics, and largely focused on lettuce and leafy greens (the only crops practical with the initial state of the technology). Think of the...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
From WPI Consulting
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.