During the Cold War, the economic benefits of trade were considered secondary to national security. The Pentagon at the time told U.S. agriculture that the Common Agriculture Policy was the glue that held Europe together and that was more important vis-à-vis the Soviet Union than any harm to American farm sales. This week’s Sino-American meeting in Anchorage proved that once again, trade is taking a back seat. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened the meeting with China with the Biden Administration’s top priorities: repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, governance in Hong Kong, the future of Taiwan, cyberattacks, and Beijing’s treatment of Australia. As noted in Politico, several senior members of the Biden A...
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...