There have been developments in a few major legal issues relating to agriculture that have unfolded in the past several days, and the final resolutions of all these cases have the potential to be landmark precedents.There have been developments in a few major legal issues relating to agriculture that have unfolded in the past several days, and below is a rundown.Syngenta MIR 162 Corn: In 2009, Syngenta release the MIR 162 GM corn called Agrisure Viptera that repels certain insect pests. The trait was approved in the U.S., but not in China where corn and DDGS from the U.S. were subsequently rejected because of the trait. Last week, a number of class action lawsuits were filed against Syngenta by producers. At least two exporters, Cargill and...
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...